Infineon PEF20532FV3: A Comprehensive Datasheet and Application Overview

The Infineon PEF20532FV3 is a highly integrated, single-chip controller from the family of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) subscriber processors. This device, also known under its commercial name PEF 20532 (PICCOLO V3.2), represents a key solution for designing terminal adapters, ISDN telephones, and other equipment requiring an S/T-interface connection. Its design focuses on handling the Layer 1 (physical layer) protocol of the ISDN Basic Rate Access (BRA) and provides a flexible interface for a host microcontroller to manage the higher-layer protocols.

Key Features and Datasheet Breakdown

A deep dive into the PEF20532FV3 datasheet reveals a set of powerful features engineered for robust digital communication:

Full S/T-Interface Controller: The chip integrates a complete digital transceiver, complying with ITU-T I.430 and ETSI 300 012 standards for the S/T interface. It handles all framing, synchronization, D-channel arbitration, and bit-level functions autonomously.

On-Chip Echo Cancellation: A critical feature for reliable operation over longer subscriber lines, the integrated echo canceller ensures high signal integrity and minimizes errors, eliminating the need for external components.

Flexible Microcontroller Interface: The device connects seamlessly to a standard microprocessor or microcontroller via an 8-bit multiplexed or non-multiplexed parallel bus. This interface is used for configuration, control, and data exchange (B1, B2, and D channels).

Multi-PHY Support: It can be configured to operate in various modes, including Point-to-Point (PTMP) and Point-to-Point (PTP), making it adaptable to different network topologies.

Low Power Consumption: Designed with power efficiency in mind, the PEF20532FV3 offers power-down modes, which is essential for portable or always-on devices.

Package: It is typically available in a P-LCC-44 plastic leaded chip carrier package, suitable for automated assembly processes.

Application Overview

The primary application of the PEF20532FV3 is within the realm of ISDN terminal equipment. Its functionality makes it the core of several key devices:

1. ISDN Terminal Adapters (TAs): Often called ISDN modems, these devices allow non-ISDN equipment (like a standard analog telephone or a fax machine) to connect to an ISDN network. The PEF20532FV3 manages the digital line interface, while an external host CPU handles the data conversion and higher-layer signaling.

2. ISDN Telephones (TE1 devices): Advanced digital telephones built for ISDN networks utilize this controller to implement the mandatory S/T-interface and manage the two B-channels (for voice/data) and the D-channel (for signaling).

3. PC Cards for ISDN: Internal and external PC adapter cards for computers used this chip to provide a direct digital ISDN connection for high-speed internet access and videoconferencing in the pre-DSL era.

4. PBX (Private Branch Exchange) Line Cards: Small business PBX systems employed the PEF20532FV3 on line cards to provide standard ISDN BRI ports for connecting ISDN handsets and other terminal equipment.

Design Considerations

When implementing the PEF20532FV3, designers must pay close attention to several areas. Proper impedance matching on the S/T-line interface is paramount to prevent signal reflections. Furthermore, the firmware on the external host microcontroller is complex, as it must implement the Q.931 network layer protocol for call control and D-channel handling. Power supply decoupling and clock signal integrity are also critical for stable operation.

ICGOOODFIND

The Infineon PEF20532FV3 stands as a testament to the highly specialized and powerful communication controllers developed during the peak of ISDN technology. It encapsulates a complete physical layer solution, offering designers a reliable, single-chip path to creating compliant and feature-rich ISDN terminal equipment. While its prominence has waned with the adoption of IP-based technologies, it remains a significant component in legacy and certain industrial communication systems.

Keywords:

ISDN Controller, S/T-Interface, PEF20532FV3, Layer 1 Protocol, Echo Cancellation