Silicon Line GmbH Introduces 2.3 Gbps SerDes-IC For Video Or Arbitrary Data Transport In Mobile Devices

Silicon Line GmbH, a provider of ultra-low power analog ICs, announced that it has extended its ultra-low power technology to the serializer / de-serializer ICs (SerDes) markets with the release of its new programmable ultra-low power SerDes chip – the SL83000. The device can either be used to convert a 27-bit wide parallel input interface into a single, high-speed differential output data stream or it can be programmed to de-serialize high-speed serial input data to a 27-bit wide parallel output signal.

Besides any arbitrary parallel input data, the SL83000 was optimized to handle the conventional and widely used 24-bit wide data bus for RGB video data, plus horizontal synchronization (HS) and vertical synchronization (VS) signals as well as a data enable (DE) signal.

The SL83000 consumes less than 4mW if operated as serializer or even less than 2mW if set to the deserializer mode. The serial data link speed of the SL83000 may range to far beyond 2.3 Gbps allowing for pixel clocks in excess of 72 MHz or screen resolutions up to the HD1080i format.

The device was optimized for optical video data transport applications in power sensitive system environments, such as battery operated portable electronic systems. However, it may also be connected to a single differential line with a characteristic impedance of 100Ω.

"With the SL83000 Silicon Line introduces a new IC, which seamlessly integrates in existing mobile phone or laptop computer system architectures", said Holger Hoeltke, Managing Director at Silicon Line. "The SL83000 allows customers to decide whether they’d like to transport their video data between the graphic processor and the display over one thin plastic optical waveguide or over one single twisted pair. Both alternatives remove the bulky bundle of tens of exiting data lines within the tight hinge, making room for new cables, new applications."

The device comes in a 3 x 3 x 1mm µBGA-42 package, which the company says currently presents the world-wide smallest package with this pin count. For less area sensitive applications the SL83000 is offered in a standard VQFN-48 package, as well.