Irvine, CA - February 6, 2006 - ClariPhy Communications, Inc., an Irvine-based startup, is developing mixed-signal ICs that set new performance benchmarks for multi-gigabit per second (Gbit/s) communications applications. The company's initial products target the emerging 10GBASE-LRM (LRM) Ethernet standard that is nearing IEEE ratification. ClariPhy's engineering team includes some of the world's leading experts in communications, digital signal processing (DSP) and mixed-signal IC design.
"ClariPhy has built a world-class engineering team, assembled from among the best communications IC companies in the industry," said Dr. Paul Voois, President and CEO of ClariPhy. "We have developed the first DSP-based PHY for 10-Gbit/s over fiber using a standard CMOS process. It will exceed 300m reach over legacy multimode fiber, thereby enabling a seamless and cost-effective upgrade of existing Ethernet infrastructure to 10-Gbit/s speeds. For new installations, our technology will enable the best combination of power dissipation, reach and latency of any PHY over any cabling medium."
The combination of rapidly escalating data volumes and cost sensitivity in today's enterprises has created demand for network upgrade solutions that do not require infrastructure replacements. In order to meet that demand, ClariPhy is focusing on the LRM standard for 10-Gbit/s serial transmission over legacy multimode fiber. ClariPhy's technology includes maximum likelihood sequence detection (MLSD), a powerful algorithm for compensating modal dispersion that enables reaches exceeding 300m. And unlike the alternative optical solution 10GBASE-LX4, which requires complex parallel optics, LRM uses serial optics and significantly lowers overall system cost.
"Vertical riser connections in the enterprise require 300m reach over legacy multimode fiber and have historically been addressed by 10GBASE-LX4," stated Jag Bolaria, Senior Analyst with The Linley Group. "ClariPhy's implementation of EDC with innovative digital signal processing techniques in CMOS addresses these performance requirements, and, at a lower price point." An important feature in the company's technology roadmap is support for both existing optical module form factors, as well as emerging form factors such as SFP+. SFP+ is the next-generation serial form factor for 10-Gbit/s, offering several advantages including smaller size enabling higher port densities, reduced component count and lower power dissipation.
"Sumitomo Electric is committed to being a leader in the 10-Gbit/s optical communication components market and the SFP+ serial form factor that ClariPhy supports is a development that we have been following closely for some time now," noted Eddie Tsumura, Vice President of Marketing and Engineering of ExceLight Communications, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Electric. "And we believe that our optical modules, integrated with ClariPhy's technologies, can deliver significant customer value in terms of cost and performance advantages."
ClariPhy targets switch, server adapter card and optical module OEMs. The company is currently in discussions with leading vendors for evaluation and development programs. ClariPhy is also active in several standards bodies including IEEE 802.3aq (developing 10GBASE-LRM), T11.2 Fibre Channel Optical Working Group and the SFF Committee (developing SFP+).
ClariPhy Communications, Inc. is a fabless semiconductor company that was founded in 2002 and is based in Irvine, California. The company is developing high-speed ICs targeting 10-Gbit/s networks in enterprise backbone and enterprise data center environments. ClariPhy's ICs will enable vendors to offer products to IT management that will significantly improve performance and lower cost. ClariPhy has secured $13M in Series A financing led by Norwest Venture Partners (NVP), with Onset Ventures and Allegis Capital also participating. Additional information on the company can be found at www.clariphy.com.
John O'Neill
Vice President, Marketing
949-861-3074 - Ext. 233
john.oneill@clariphy.com
Tom Price - The Bernard Group
Office: 512-327-2195
Cell: 512-415-7744
tprice@bernardgroup.com