Microsemi delivers HomePlug AV2 Class GH Line Drivers for PLC Applications

Microsemi Corporation has introduced its high performance power line communications (PLC) HomePlug AV2 Class GH line drivers, which are targeted at applications including residential gateways, set-top boxes, Wi-Fi extenders and PLC adapters. The two-channel Le87402 and single-channel Le87401 drivers are based on Microsemi's proprietary high-speed, high-voltage bipolar process technology, which enables significant performance and cost savings over currently used technologies. These drivers have been integrated with Broadcom's BCM60500 and BCM60333 powerline communication chipset reference designs.

"Integrating Microsemi's highly reliable line drivers with our new high performance extended band HomePlug AV2 single platform reference designs will allow our customers to quickly and cost-effectively capitalize on the rollout of next-generation PLC deployments," said John Gloekler, Broadcom's director of Marketing, Broadband Communications.

HomePlug AV2 enables gigabit-class speeds over electrical wiring while remaining fully interoperable with HomePlug AV and Green PHY technologies. HomePlug AV2 allows even more powerful performance and coverage for broadband networking over powerline wires, making it faster than ever to handle the most demanding online services and applications.

"We are pleased to enter the HomePlug AV2 market in collaboration with Broadcom, which is a recognized leader in PLC semiconductor solutions," said Roger Holliday, senior vice president and general manager at Microsemi. "Microsemi has a strong product development focus on line drivers and has shipped more than 100 million of these devices for use in DSL networks globally. Applying the knowledge we have gained over the years allows us to further strengthen our foundation with a family of HomePluG AV2 solutions that deliver inherent reliability and cost-advantages over traditional line drivers."

The Le87402 is a two-channel line driver designed to work in industry-standard HomePlug Alliance HPAV2, ITU-T G.HN and MOCA systems. Each channel can be enabled independently allowing multiple-in, multiple-out (MIMO) or single-in, single-out (SISO) operations. The Le87402 can drive a line impedance of 100 ohms down to 12 ohms through a transformer and delivers superior performance with power efficiency using Class GH operation. The Le87401 device can be used in SISO operation, with similar performance as the Le87402 device. Additional features include: Small 16-pin, 4x4 mm Package; Low Power Operation; Class GH Operation; Supports HPAV2 Power Save Mode; Channel Enable/Disable Control; and operation to 86 MHz.