SiTel to develop complete DSL / DECT gateway designs with Broadcom

“The popularity of IADs is growing fast, with consumers demanding a single gateway that offers both high-speed internet access and high-quality telephony,” said Marius Bouman Product Marketing Manager of SiTel Semiconductor. “By combining our own industry-leading DECT / CAT-iq know-how with the xDSL expertise of Broadcom, we’re helping manufacturers answer that demand – no matter their level of RF design experience.”

Data from electronics industry analysts IMS Research suggests that the number of DSL broadband internet users in the world will rise from 234 million in 2007 to 407 million by 2013. During the same period, the proportion of IADs shipped that include DECT or CAT-iq functionality is projected to grow from 4% to 31%, with the advanced features and better sound quality of CAT-iq replacing the elder technology entirely by around 2012.

For every ten gateways shipped, between five and seven additional handsets are expected to be bought. When buying additional handsets, consumers will make their choice based on features, aesthetics and price. They will expect any additional handsets to work correctly with their broadband access device. In addition to the improved voice quality, it is the interoperability challenge that is driving the move to CAT-iq.

But it is the combination of ultra-low power and proven low-cost that makes DECT ideal as the radio interface for a low / medium bit rate wireless LAN (WLAN) in the smart home environment. From wireless metering to door phones and safety / emergency system sensors, there is a whole host of systems in today’s home that will benefit from the cost and infrastructure benefits that DECT and specifically CAT-iq deliver.

Through this cooperation, Broadcom and SiTel aim to ensure that all the necessary technologies can be easily and seamlessly integrated to speed development times and reduce the design resources manufactures need.