Date: 10/06/2012

Two high-speed multiplexer switch ICs from NXP for Intel Thunderbolt interface

NXP Semiconductors N.V. has announced the availability of two high speed multiplexer (mux) switch ICs that supports Intel's Thunderbolt I/O technology. Thunderbolt technology enables fast data transfers between PCs and peripheral and display devices by concurrently supporting data and display connections over a single cable. The two multiplexer switches CBTL05023 and CBTL06DP211 are used on Thunderbolt host and peripheral designs.

"Smaller and lighter portable computing devices such as the Ultrabook need to have fewer external connectors, smaller connectors, and connectors that can transfer different signals seamlessly. Thunderbolt I/O technology supports these design goals, and we're pleased to be working with the broader ecosystem around Thunderbolt - including major OEMs and ODMs - in enabling the high performance required to make high-speed data transfers a reality," said Grahame Cooney, general manager of high-speed interfaces and clocks, watches and graphics drivers, NXP Semiconductors.

Intel Thunderbolt controllers transmit and receive information for both the PCI Express (PCIe) and DisplayPort protocols, switching between the two protocols to support communications over a single cable. The NXP switches enable cost-effective bills of material for Thunderbolt connectors, offering better signal integrity characteristics.

These multiplexer switches are housed in HVQFN-24 (CBTL05023) and TFBGA-48 (CBTL06DP211) packages. They are in high-volume production and samples are available to qualified customers on request.

For more information: http://www.nxp.com/products/interface_and_connectivity/displayport/high_speed_multiplexer/