Maxim introduces the DS33X162, the first product in the Company's family of Ethernet mapping solutions. The DS33X162 is a Ethernet-over-PDH (EoPDH) mapping device that enables the delivery of  Carrier Ethernet services over the existing PDH telecommunications infrastructure. It allows Ethernet transport from a single GbE or dual 10/100 Ethernet interfaces, and supports up to 16 T1/E1 links or 8 DS3 links with over 400Mbps throughput.

The DS33X162 thus covers the complete range of configurations defined in the EoPDH standards. The DS33X162's data and control plane separation removes the need for software to process the data path, but still allows software interaction for management and value-adding functions. 

DS33X162 functions elevate Ethernet to "Carrier Grade" service quality. The device performs Ethernet frame encapsulation in GFP-F, HDLC, or X.86 (LAPS). It also performs ingress policing, Ethernet service profiling, VLAN-based forwarding, priority-based forwarding, VLAN tagging, quality of service (QoS) priority scheduling, and enables Ethernet OAM. These functions are important attributes for delivering Carrier Ethernet services, as defined by the Metro Ethernet Forum.

The distribution of traffic over multiple physical links is supported through hardware implementations of the VCAT and LCAS protocols. These protocols have been used extensively in SONET/SDH optical networks, but have recently been extended to wired networks through new standards, primarily ITU-T G.7041, G.7042, G.7043, and G.8040. The DS33X162 complies with these and many other telecommunications standards.

The DS33X162 is available in a 17mm x 17mm, 256-pin CSBGA package and is specified over the extended-industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C). Pricing for the 16-port DS33X162 starts at $73.11 (5000-up, FOB USA). Pricing for the single-port DS33X11 is $17.33 (5000-up, FOB USA). The DS33X162DK design kit and free software drivers are available.