Higher performance for cable modems

Broadcom Corporation has introduced its next generation single-chip cable modem solution, the BCM3349, an advanced DOCSIS 2.0-based cable modem chip that addresses the increasing demands of high-speed data, voice and gateway modem designs.

The enhanced features of the BCM3349 offer cable modem vendors improved performance and reliability, as well as significant component count reduction over other solutions. Cable modems using the BCM3349 will operate 25% faster than modems using previous solutions due to an integrated processor that performs at 250 MIPS and supports individual modem throughput at full-channel capacity of the DOCSIS 2.0 specification.
Using Broadcom's integration technologies, the BCM3349 enables vendors to reduce component count of their data modem solutions by more than 20% from previous industry-leading designs.

"The BCM3349 and BCM3419 allow our customers to create extremely cost effective solutions that will enable them to successfully compete in the highly competitive DOCSIS cable modem market," says Jay Kirchoff, Broadcom's director of marketing for cable modems.

The DOCSIS 2.0 specification enables tripling of upstream data capacity, from consumer to cable operator, creating a cable network that operates at up to 40Mbps downstream and 30Mbps upstream. This tripling of upstream speed enables cable modem service providers to expand their broadband service offerings to both businesses and consumers to include higher speed and symmetric data service tiers, multi-line cable telephony, video conferencing, streaming IP video, and remote learning applications.

The BCM3349 is available in several reference designs for data, voice and gateway cable modem applications. The chip is packaged in a 316-pin PBGA.

Mike Pan

Broadcom Corporation
Fax 949-450-8710
www.broadcom.com