Dallas Semiconductor, subsidiary of Maxim Integrated Products, introduces the DS26519, a 16-port T1/E1/J1 long- and short-haul transceiver. The high integration of the DS26519, along with its 1.8V/3.3V power operation, makes it usefull for channel service units (CSUs), data service units (DSUs), muxes, switches, routers, channel banks, and test equipment. The DS26519 saves space by eliminating the need for the mechanical relays typically required by redundancy protection implementations. This device uses hitless protection switching (HPS) to provide reliable redundancy protection by presenting high impedance at transmit outputs and receive inputs when power is not applied. Additional space and cost savings are provided by its software-selectable, internal receive- and transmit-side termination for 75 E1 coaxial, 100 T1 twisted-pair, 110 J1 twisted-pair, or 120 E1 twisted-pair applications.

The DS26519 provides functions for monitoring performance and communicating diagnostic information. The diagnostic suite includes, but is not limited to, a bit-error-rate tester; loss-of-signal indication; analog, local, remote and dual loopbacks; large error counters for BPV, CV, CRC-6, CRC-4, and E-bit; in-band repeating-pattern generation/detection; and JTAG. Also included is an internal clock rate adapter and a HDLC controller with a 64-byte buffer in both the transmit and receive paths. The DS26519 is available in a thermally robust, 23mm x 23mm, 484-pin HSBGA package. This device is also available in a software compatible 8-port version, the DS26518, in a 17mm x 17mm, 256-pin BGA package. Evaluation kits with supporting software, driver source code, and reference designs are available for both devices. Prices start at $69.96 for the DS26519 and at $40.60 for the DS26518 (5000-up, FOB USA).