BroadLogic Network Technologies, a leading innovator in high-performance silicon solutions for video processing, today announced the TeraQAM™ BL85000 – the industry’s first ultra-dense quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) chip for systems that transport video, voice and data signals. It enables cable operators to respond efficiently and cost-effectively to the growing consumer demand for “any content, anytime” viewing by delivering more narrowcast and unicast services.

Compared to existing silicon solutions, the breakthrough TeraQAM solution cuts QAM-based system bill of materials (BOM) costs by up to 80 percent; power consumption by 85 percent, and delivers four times more QAM channels per port. It is the first solution that allows system equipment suppliers to meet the $100/QAM price watermark. By shattering the cost, power and density barriers, it lets system equipment suppliers deliver solutions that significantly expand the content delivery capacity of cable networks in a cost-effective way. It is ideal for edge QAM, multi-tenant QAM and emerging fiber node QAM applications.

“The industry’s ability to move from broadcast delivery to a unicast model hinges on cost reductions and increased efficiency of core network components,” said Ian Olgeirson, senior analyst with SNL Kagan. “Improvements to QAM capacity offer a significant step toward providing the next generation of consumer control.”

TeraQAM-Enabled Systems Maximize ROI

The TeraQAM solution brings significant benefits to operators in edge QAM systems with high QAM channel counts, as well as in lower-density systems for multi-tenant building applications. According to Danial Faizullabhoy, president and chief executive officer at BroadLogic, “BroadLogic continues to push the innovation envelope for deployment of personalized services to consumers. With TeraQAM, cable operators around the world gain the most efficient, cost-effective and least disruptive way to evolve their networks. Our breakthrough solution makes the dollars and cents work.”

In edge QAM systems, TeraQAM reduces operators’ capital expenditure by lowering system BOM costs, and also significantly cuts their operating expenses for power and space. Cable operators also can use TeraQAM-enabled equipment to compete more effectively by providing differentiated next-generation services for apartment buildings, hotels and other multi-tenant units. TeraQAM’s cost, power and density advantages also enable a breakthrough in fiber node architecture for the cable industry. Operators can now cost-effectively transition their network to an IP-based network and maximize the return on investment (ROI) in their fiber deployment.

System equipment suppliers can provide these benefits for the operators because TeraQAM is a far more cost- and power-effective solution than the QAM function traditionally implemented in a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). TeraQAM lets system designers offload the QAM functionality from the FPGA, and then use a less expensive FPGA to implement the other system functionality, or integrate even more system functionality into the existing FPGA.

The TeraQAM BL85000 chip is compliant with standards ITU-T J.83 Annexes A, B and C for global use, and meets the DOCSIS DRFI specification in conjunction with currently available third-party digital-to-analog converters (DACs).

Pricing and Availability

The BL85000 is sampling to early access customers this month, and is scheduled for production quantities by the end of the year in 32- and 16-channel versions. The 16-channel version is priced at $500 for quantities of 1,000 units. Additional pricing information is available from BroadLogic.

About BroadLogic

BroadLogic designs, develops and delivers advanced video-processing semiconductors for broadband networks. The company’s highly innovative solutions, based on its patented technologies, process an order of magnitude more video content than conventional approaches and enable broadband network operators worldwide to offer next-generation video and high-speed data services to consumers. BroadLogic's solutions also help operators maximize revenue gains while controlling their operational and capital expenditures. Privately held BroadLogic is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. For more information please visit www.broadlogic.com or e-mail info@broadlogic.com.

Note to editors: BroadLogic and TeraQAM are trademarks of BroadLogic Network Technologies Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.