Over the past few years, many T1, E1, T3 (DS3) Line Interface and Framer chips have gone end-of-life (EoL). Although these legacy services are being replaced, several sectors and industries, including Utilities, Government Networks, Commercial, and even Telecom applications, live on. In many cases, 15+ years of longevity is expected. Network equipment makers are, therefore, compelled to find a replacement chip.
Although many Line Interface Unit (LIU) chips have been made obsolete there are still some available. Finding a standard chip that is a one-for-one replacement and is in regular production is often impossible. Plus, is it wise to now design in one of the chips that are still available? Will those be next to reach the end of life?
AimValley provides a future-proof solution!
AimValley's future-proof solution
- Option 1 – Interposer
If the existing board cannot be redesigned, the LIU chip is replaced by a small PCB with the same footprint as the obsolete chip. This tiny board combines an Analog Front End (AFE) with a small FPGA to emulate the LIU functionality. - Option 2 – Small format child board
If a redesign is possible to add support for a child board, a small board can be added with the AFE and optionally an FPGA to mimic the LIU behavior. This approach works best for 4- to 8-channel LIU replacements. - Option 3 – Integration on the main board itself
This option is best for high-density design or when the digital circuit can be integrated into an FPGA that takes care of the E1/DS1 framer function or TDM to packet conversion. - Option 4 – Pluggable Smart SFPs
For many years, AimValley has been producing off-the-shelf Smart SFPs that quickly and easily replace a legacy E1/DS1 and DS3 to packet card.
Applications
- Mobile backhaul systems
- TDM services in government or utility networks
- PBX phone systems
- Building alarm and control systems
- E1/T1 circuit emulation systems
- E1/T1 station clock equipment, BITS
- Telco DS3 DCS or DACS systems
AimValley's future-proof AFE
Our Analog Front End (AFE) provides the interface between the physical line interface (E1, DS1 or DS3) and the digital processing function. It is comprised only of discrete components such as OpAmps and Line drivers and other passive components. There is no T1, E1, T3 (DS-3) chip involved.
AimValley's Chip Replacement Expertise
Any of the various LIU replacement options deliver simplicity to your network product designs. AimValley has a long history in the design and realization of carrier-class solutions for Tier 1 Network Equipment Manufacturers. So, why not let AimValley take care of your component challenges.
Our integration and verification test teams use a wide array of test and measurement equipment for TDM protocols, synchronization and jitter/
wander performance of LIU interfaces. In addition, we verify compliance of line coding, pulse masks, return loss and signal integrity of the E1/T1 and DS3 signals against the relevant standards in ITU-T, ANSI and Telcordia.
AimValley provides a wide range of expertise on Telecom system design solutions:
- TDM, timing and synchronization expertise, interpretation and knowledge of standards, such as the ITU-T G.700 series for Line Interfaces Units.
- Consultancy and architecture support on TDM, framers, circuit emulation protocols, synchronization and network design.
- Design and development at system level, as well as FPGA, PCB and testing, considering signal integrity, PLL bandwidth and hold-over performance.
- Customized hardware design, including FPGA, PHY, TDM LIU
- Software and firmware designs for carrier-class and resilient solutions including network protection, clock recovery, fault en performance management.
Why AimValley? Our proven track record!
AimValley is a reliable provider of innovative network equipment designs since 2003, delivering solutions for:
Most importantly, AimValley has delivered LIU/Framer chip replacement designs for multiple customers in 2024, 2023 and several prior years. Our Engineers are up to date and very skilled in this area.
AimValley understands the full complexities as well as the subtle nuances of designing great edge solutions. We excel in building complex systems that are part of your product in the fields of Telecom, Test & Measurement, Defense, and Healthcare markets. Our combined skills represent all the important aspects required for the development of end-to-end systems.
Our customers enjoy the benefits of working with a strong team with over 2000 years engineering experience. AimValley is a trusted partner of Tier 1 customers in Telecom and Industrial markets and has shipped more than 100 000 products.
Read more about our expertise and project examples:
