SERDES technology for gigabit I/O communications in storage area networking

Abstract

The paper reviews SERDES technology for storage area networking. A concept of a data switch is introduced to illustrate important role played by switching and backplane SERDES ICs. Selected state-of-the-art devices: 10 Gb/s line side SERDES and backplane drivers are discussed in detail. Particular emphasis is placed on challenges associated with design of high-speed mixed-signal circuitry.