What is a cable modem?
A cable modem is a device that allows high-speed data access — from a PC to the Internet — via a cable TV (CATV) network. It is a modem in the true sense of the word — it modulates and demodulates signals — and it delivers Internet data to the desktop at blazing speeds. It simply uses the increased bandwidth of the TV cable instead of an ordinary phone line. Find out more...

CX24943 Cable Modem Reference Design

CX24943 Single-Chip Cable Modem IC with Dual Software Programmable Network-Processing Engines
Conexant’s Next Generation Cable Modem Solution Offers a Higher Level of Integration, Increased Performance, and Lower Power Dissipation.
The CX24943 leads the industry in cost-effectiveness through its high level of integration, advanced process technology, extremely small package and low power consumption. It offers a dual software programmable network-processing engine architecture, allowing for real-time-critical packet management processing for superior performance. The software programmability of this architecture accommodates application specific requirements, worldwide standards and manufacturers’ unique value added features for maximum flexibility. The CX24943 is software compatible with its predecessor, the CN9414.

A multitude of interfaces are integrated into the chip, including an embedded IEEE 802.3 Media Access Controller (MAC) with a Media Independent Interface (MII), a USB 1.1 communications transceiver, and a host interface. The CX24943 supports internal and external PC cable modems, home networking gateway products, IP (Internet Protocol) telephony products and digital set-top boxes.

The CX24943 was developed using leading-edge process and packaging technologies. This helps drive down the size of the monolithic IC, package and power, while allowing clock rates to increase more than 40% from the previous generation of this product. The CX24943 dissipates less than 500mW of power, setting a new standard for the industry.

Conexant’s sixth-generation physical-layer downstream receiver includes a 10-bit A/D that accepts a direct IF signal (at 44 or 36 MHz) and a 16/256 QAM demodulator with Annex A and B forward error correction.The CX24943 also contains an 11-bit D/A converter, which can accommodate 65 MHz of upstream bandwidth for EuroDOCSIS and DVB applications, and a QPSK/16 QAM burst upstream modulator. Conexant’s proven PHY technology exceeds all DOCSIS™/EuroDOCSIS™ 1.0/1.1 requirements for low BERs in noise-filled environments.

The CX24943 is the fastest solution in the industry with integrated dual software programmable network-processing engines on board. Its unique packet management, unified memory architecture, and advanced system buses, maximise performance by allowing segmentation of real-time-critical DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 1.0/1.1 functions from non real-time-critical application processes.The CX24943’s processor performance and unique architecture enables DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 1.1 and other software applications including firewall for added security, routing for home networking, or VoIP for low-cost IP telephony.

CX24951 Single Chip DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem Solution

Conexant's new generation cable modem solution offers a DOCSIS 2.0-based single-chip modem while providing dual software programmable network processing engines Conexant's broadband communications portfolio includes a comprehensive suite of semiconductor solutions that enable the digital home and information network. The InfoSurge™ family of products, supporting broadband cable modem applications, presents the industry with yet another example of Conexant's ability to exceed the needs of a growing market segment. The CX24951, Conexant's DOCSIS 2.0-based single-chip cable modem solution, provides backwards compatibility with the DOCSIS 1.1 and the DOCSIS 1.0 standards. The world's fastest, lowest power and smallest cable modem solution, the CX24951, offers 500 MIPS of processing power while consuming just 550mW in a 17mm x 17mm BGA package.
The CX24951 fully supports the new upstream physical-layer modulation technologies A-TDMA (Advanced Time Division Multiple Access) and
S-CDMA (Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access) as specified in DOCSIS 2.0 standard. These new modulation techniques significantly increase upstream cable bandwidth for data transmissions (up to 30Mbps) without requiring any physical rebuilding of cable networks.

The CX24951's 500 MIPS and software programmable dual processor architecture with on-chip memory for cable MAC and application layer processing makes it ideally suited for CableHome™ and PacketCable™ applications.

The dual processor architecture of the CX24951 allows it to be used in CableHome applications, without needing an additional network processor for the firewall and routing features required by the CableHome standard. The firewall and routing algorithms required by CableHome take less than 10 percent of the 500 MIPS processing power of the CX24951, leaving plenty of processing power left for developing custom networking applications.
The integrated MII port and the PCMCIA functionality of the integrated host port allow the CX24951 to provide a seamless interface to an array of networking peripherals such as wireless LANs (802.11a/b), HomePlug transceivers, HPNA solutions, and multi-port Ethernet Switches.

The software programmability of the CX24951 allows one base platform to support numerous products, including PacketCable, CableHome and set-top box products as shown in the CX24951-based cable modem block diagram. In addition, the architectural similarities between the CX24951 and its predecessor, the CX24943, allows for maximum reuse of certified code.
The CX24951 provides the ability to adapt to a multitude of standards by downloading different software into the embedded dual network processing engine, including DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 2.0/1.1/1.0, DVB and proprietary standards. Finally, cable operators can download complex feature enhancements above and beyond simple code upgrades to field-deployed solutions, minimising truck rolls and equipment obsolescence.

CN2811 Digital Cable Tuner RF IC

High-Performance Single-Chip CATV Tuner
The InfoSurge™ CN2811 miniature single-chip silicon tuner device replaces traditional bulky and expensive front-end tuner circuitry for receiving and interpreting broadband signals carried over coaxial cable for high-speed Internet access. The CN2811 silicon tuner represents a major step towards much smaller and more affordable cable modems. Packaged in a small 48-pin ETQFP, the CN2811 requires less board space than conventional tuners. The device eliminates the bulky tuner can and most of its associated components, and can be easily interfaced to Conexant’s CN9414 single-chip, programmable cable modem. A cable modem OEM needs very little additional circuitry to create a complete cable modem tuner solution. Sold with Conexant’s CN9414 single-chip programmable cable modem, the CN2811 device makes possible a complete system solution that is up to 25 percent less costly and significantly more power-efficient than other digital cable-modem solutions. This solution is also the first to give manufacturers the flexibility to support new feature sets and industry standards by simply software-upgrading the cable-modem chip’s programmable Media Access Control (MAC) layer.

Complete, Power-Efficient Solution
This device offers a number of advantages over other integrated tuner solutions that require multiple chips, address only a limited portion of the required functionality, consume more than twice the power of the CN2811, and often require speciality manufacturing processes associated with high-frequency wireless products. In contrast, the CN2811 consumes less than 1.5W of power, uses mainstream manufacturing processes, and provides a complete tuner system solution for everything from the coaxial cable input to the output for Conexant’s companion CN9414. With this new tuner and its companion single-chip cable modem, Conexant addresses the full spectrum of cable modem requirements for today’s demanding broadband connectivity applications. Conexant also is the first to offer a solution for the kind of high-volume consumer products that the industry needs for mainstream cable modem deployment.

CN2811 EVK Evaluation Kit

Conexant’s CN2811 Evaluation Kit (EVK) provides a complete set of tools to evaluate the performance of the CN2811 digital cable tuner. The CN2811 EVK features a dual conversion architecture, DOCSIS and DAVIC compliance, maximum tuner performance for digital applications and a bill of materials cost lower than comparable tuner products. The evaluation kit consists of two reference design boards for the tuner section of a cable modem design. One board supports U.S. applications and the other is designed for European applications.

CX9421CM DOCSIS Silicon Tuner Cable Modem Reference Design

Conexant’s Silicon Cable Tuner Reference Design includes all the hardware and software necessary to evaluate Conexant’s silicon tuners for cable applications.

DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 1.0/1.1

Conexant’s certifiable cable modem reference designs, developed for DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specifications) and EuroDOCSIS, are built upon the InfoSurge™ family’s next-generation Single-Chip Cable Modem IC, the CX24943.

The CX24943’s small process geometry and high degree of integration helps reduce the overall cost of a cable modem platform by reducing the external component count significantly. At the same time, the dual software programmable network-processing engines provide a platform with the ultimate in performance and flexibility to meet the needs of a variety of product applications, including high-speed data access, wired and wireless home networking and IP telephony.

The Cable Modem Reference Designs include software that is not only compliant to DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 1.0/1.1 and meet the network requirements of @Home, but also include the USB drivers that meet Microsoft’s Windows Hardware Quality Lab (WHQL) requirements. Additional software features that are above and beyond standards-based requirements are also included in the complete software offering.

The complete Cable Modem Reference Design kit, including a fully functional cable modem, software and documentation, significantly reduces the cable modem manufacturers’ time to market as well as the effort associated with the development of new cable modem products.

Complete Solution
The Cable Modem Reference Design kits contain a fully functional cable modem, software and the necessary documentation to develop complete DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 1.0/1.1 cable modem products. Using the Conexant Cable Modem Reference Designs, customers can quickly develop cable modem products with unique features, while also ensuring a high degree of confidence of passing the series of strict industry tests required for field deployment.

The reference design kits include a fully functional USB and Ethernet cable modem hardware platform, featuring the CX24943 device. Conexant also provides a complete set of hardware documentation, including schematics, Gerber files, bill-of-materials, datasheets, design guide and application notes to support their design effort.

The Conexant Cable Modem Reference Designs provide a lower bill-of-materials, reduced development cost and royalty fees, a greater likelihood of manufacturers’ products achieving certification, and an accelerated time to market.

Cost-Effective Platform
The CX24943 Single-Chip Cable Modem IC is the heart of the Conexant Cable Modem Reference Designs. Its high degree of integration reduces the physical size, power and cost of a cable modem, while still providing all of the required DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 1.0/1.1 functionality.

The CX24943 includes all the major components required for a complete cable modem, including upstream and downstream physical layer, cable Media Access Controller (MAC) network processor, application network processor, an IEEE 802.3 MAC with MII and USB transceiver. The additional components required to complete a cable modem are minimal.

The software programmability of the CX24943’s dual network-processing engines make these reference design platforms extremely flexible for developing solutions to meet application-specific requirements without the need for another silicon platform.

Extensive InfoSurge Cable Modem Software Offering
All of the software needed to meet DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 1.0/1.1, @Home and USB/PCI WHQL requirements is included as part of the reference design kits. The InfoSurge cable modem software package includes MAC code, system controller code and peripheral drivers.

Furthermore, royalty-free redistribution rights for the VxWorks™ operating system (OS), and SNMP Research’s SNMP agent are included with each CX24943 purchased, resulting in a significant overall cost savings and the increased reliability of an industry-standard OS and SNMP agent.
Conexant’s software release process includes DOCSIS/ EuroDOCSIS 1.0/1.1 MAC and PHY layer testing per the CableLabs®/ComLabs® PICS requirements. This detailed testing substantially increases cable modem manufacturers’ ability to achieve DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS 1.0/1.1 certifications.
Conexant’s InfoSurge software flexibility allows manufacturers to develop their own unique value added features for further product differentiation, both at the cable MAC and application layer. The Conexant Cable Modem Reference Designs can be used as a base platform for developing a number of solutions, significantly reducing development risk and time to market. Once these solutions are deployed, upgrades or enhancements can be achieved effortlessly through field upgradeable software downloads.

CX9430CM DVB & ECCA Euromodem

High speed data communications have proven successful outside of North America and many cable television (CATV) systems. However, various proprietary cable modem systems are used both at the client side and for the Interactive Network Adaptor (INA). Recognising the need for standardisation, the European Cable Communications Association (ECCA) developed the ECCA EuroModem Specification for digital bidirectional communications via cable networks, in compliance with ETS 300 800 and with special consideration of EN 50083 and Digital Video Broadcast (DVB) specifications.
Before cable modem manufacturers could embrace the standard, they needed a flexible, cost-effective, client-side platform upon which to develop cost-effective cable modems. To meet this need, Conexant developed the CX9430CM, a complete Cable Modem Reference Design, which supports DVB and ECCA EuroModem specification.

The CX9430CM reference design kit includes:
EuroModem Class A application-layer software source code
API documentation
Schematics and Gerber files
Bill of materials
User’s manual
CN9414 data sheet
Overall Solution

The CX9430CM is based on Conexant’s CN9414 single-chip cable modem, and as such, has its roots in our InfoSurgeTM family of modems for broadband cable applications. Conexant offers a world-class broadband access platform that combines performance, low cost, flexibility through programmability, and standards compliance. OEMs can plug the CX9430CM into the CATV network, download software from the INA, and surf the Net with the hardware and software provided in the CX9430CM design kit. The CX9430CM builds on a foundation of robust Conexant solutions.

Single-Chip Silicon Tuner
The CN2811 single-chip silicon tuner, manufactured using Conexant’s high-performance, low cost bipolar process, integrates all the main functions of the tuner subsystem from the F connector to the input to the A/D converter on the CN9414. The CN2811 costs less and reduces board space compared to competing solutions.

CX9440CM PCI Modem Reference Design

DOCSIS - Certifiable PCI Cable Modem Reference Design
Conexant's CX9440CM PCI non-host-based cable modem reference design is a complete DOCSIS-certifiable solution built upon the InfoSurge™ Family's CN9414 single-chip cable modem integrated circuit. The CN9414's high degree of integration helps to significantly reduce the overall cost of a cable modem while its programmable cable MAC architecture provides the ultimate in flexibility and upgradeability. The CX9440CM PCI cable modem reference design provides a baseline for a variety of implementations, including DOCSIS 1.0 and DOCSIS 1.1. This platform provides the following: Cost-effective hardware, flexibility through programmability, PC compatibility, a complete solution.

Cost-Effective Hardware Platform
The CN9414 and the RS7112 bridge chip are the heart of the PCI cable modem. Their high degree of integration promotes an overall size, power, and cost reduction for the cable modem, while still providing all of the required DOCSIS functionality. The additional components necessary to complete a PCI cable modem are minimal. The total cost for the cable modem, including bracket, PCB and components is well below the MSO's targeted price threshold.

Flexibility through Programmability
The programmability of the CN9414's integrated system controller and cable MAC make the cable modem extremely flexible. Customers can quickly modify peripheral drivers to satisfy the requirements of vendor selectable components, such as tuners or FLASH memory. Customer specific needs or application requirements can be easily implemented to allow product differentiation without revisions of silicon or other hardware. Post-deployment feature enhancements and upgradeability to DOCSIS 1.1 requirements can be achieved effortlessly through a software download. There is no need to change any hardware to meet DOCSIS 1.1 requirements.

PC Compatibility
Conexant is the world leader in providing PC modem solutions to the industry. We are able to capitalise on this position by using our knowledge and expertise, and incorporating it into our PCI modem platform. Our background includes expertise in:
- Windows drivers
- PC emissions
- WQHL
- PC diagnostics

CN9450CM EuroDOCSIS Cable Modem Reference Design

Conexant’s CX9450CM cable modem reference design is a complete Euro DOCSIS-certificate external cable modem built upon the InfoSurge™ family’s CN9414 single-chip cable modem integrated circuit. The CN9414’s high degree of integration helps to significantly reduce the overall cost of a cable modem. At the same time, the industry’s first programmable cable MAC architecture provides the ultimate in flexibility and upgradeability. The CX9450CM provides a baseline for a variety of implementations, including EuroDOCSIs 1.1, and IP telephony. The CX9450CM may also be used as an effective evaluation platform that provides headers for JTAG and RS-232, as well as expandability for BER testing and constellation visibility.

Cost Effective Hardware Platform
The CN9414 is the heart of the cable modem. Its high degree of integration reduces the overall size, power and cost of a cable modem, while still providing all of the required EuroDOCSIS functionality. The additional components required to complete a cable modem are minimal and the total cost for the cable modem, including enclosure, PCB, components and an external AC/DC power supply, is well below MSO’s targeted price threshold.

Flexility through Programmability
The programmability of the CN9414’s integrated system controller and cable MAC make the cable modem extremely flexible. Customers can quickly modify peripheral drivers to satisfy the requirements of vendor-selectable components, such as tuners or flash memory. Customer-specific needs or application requirements can be easily implemented to allow product differentiation without revisions of silicon or other hardware. Post-deployment feature enhancements can be achieved effortlessly through a software download. There is no need to change any hardware to meet EuroDOCSIS 1.1 requirements.

A Complete Solution
The CX9450CM contains a complete cable modem including all hardware necessary to meet EuroDOCSIS requirements. In addition, all of the documentation required to develop a cable modem is included: schematics, Gerber files, bill of materials, data sheets and application notes.
What sets the CX9450CM apart from the other platforms is the software provided. The cable modem reference design comes complete with all the software needed to meet EuroDOCSIS requirements. This includes all system controller software and peripheral drivers, as well as code for the programmable cable MAC. Furthermore royalty-free redistribution rights for the VxWorks operating system as well as the SNMP software are included, resulting in significant cost savings.

Conexant has also invested in a testing laboratory to perform complete acceptance testing for our reference designs. This ensures that Conexant’s cable modem hardware and software meets all EuroDOCSIS PHY and MAC testing requirements, substantially increasing our customers’ chance of achieving EuroDOCSIS certification.

The completeness of Conexant’s CX9450CM cable modem reference design translates into a lower bill of materials, reduced development costs and royalty fees, a greater likelihood of vendor’s products achieving certification, and an accelerated time to market for Conexant customers.