Advanced DSP Transceiver Design Technology
Conventional PHY transceivers use traditional analog circuit techniques to equalize data signals and recover the clock and data from the copper or fiber optic link. With the advent of deep sub-micron CMOS technology, these analog solutions are quickly being displaced by DSP-based solutions, which offer more robust performance, lower power dissipation, and a smaller die size.
Cicada has already successfully applied and proven its advanced DSP algorithms and technology to some of the most complex communications standards, including HDSL2 and T3/E3.
Powerful SOC Design Methodology
DSP-based PHYs built upon mainstream CMOS technologies are more readily integrated with higher layer communications protocol functions to lower overall system costs. Cicada has developed and proven a sophisticated System-on-Chip design methodology, utilizing proprietary system level simulators, data-path compilers, synthesis, and mixed-signal design techniques. This leading edge SOC design environment allows rapid development of full custom, DSP-based transceivers (“PHYs”) and Network System-on-a-Chip (“N-SOC”) solutions using low cost, conventional, digital CMOS process technology.
Flexible Access to Cost Effective CMOS Process Technologies
Because of its unique combination of low cost, high performance, exceptional integration capability, and widespread availability, CMOS silicon is one of the enabling technologies needed to meet the gigabit bandwidth challenge. CMOS technology allows communications IC solutions to cost effectively integrate all seven functional layers of the Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) model on a single integrated circuit. Cicada’s process independent design methodologies and tools are architected to allow manufacturing at essentially any of the major wafer foundries.
Proven Business Model
Cicada is a “fabless semiconductor” company. This proven business model allows the company to focus on its core competency – the rapid design and development of DSP communications ICs – leading to timely market solutions for our customers.