Adaptec 2005 Annual Report Download - page 13

Table of Contents
OUR PRODUCTS
Most of our semiconductors can be divided into broadly defined functional categories identified below. As with descriptions of the network, particular categories
may overlap and a device may be present in more than one category. In addition, some products may integrate several different functions and therefore could be
classified in one or more categories. For example, some of our products convert high-speed analog signals to digital signals and split or combine various
transmission signals.
Line interface units: these devices, also referred to as transceivers, transmit and receive signals over a physical medium such as wire, cable or fiber. The line
interface unit determines the speed and timing characteristics of the signals, and may also convert them from a serial stream of data into a parallel stream before
they are further processed for transmission to the next destination.
Framers and mappers: before the data can be sent to the next destination, it must be converted into a proper format for transmission in the network. For example,
the framing function arranges the bits into different size formats, commonly referred to as “cell” or “packet” formats, and attaches the appropriate information to
the formats to ensure they reach their destinations. In turn, this data may be inserted into other frames, such as SONET/SDH frames, for transmission across
high-speed fiber optics.
Packet and cell processors: these devices examine the contents of cells, or packets, and perform various management and reporting functions. For instance, a
switch or router may use a packet or cell processor to determine if a signal is voice or video in order to allocate the proper amount of bandwidth.
Controllers: rapid growth in data storage needs is driving a requirement for more cost-effective and larger capacity storage systems. Controller products based on
Fibre Channel, SAS, and SATA, are enabling technologies for building network-attached storage system architectures that meet cost and capacity needs.
Microprocessor-based System-On-Chips (SOCs): these devices perform the high-speed computations that help identify and control the flow of signals and data in
many different types of network equipment used in the communications, enterprise and consumer markets. With greater demand for integration of features and
functions on a single device, more system-on-chip solutions are being developed.
Serializers/Deserializers: these devices convert networking traffic between slower speed parallel streams and higher speed serial streams. OEMs use serial
streams to reduce networking equipment line connections, and parallel streams to allow them to apply lower cost traffic management technologies.
OUR STRATEGY
Our high-speed semiconductor solutions are based on our knowledge of network applications, system requirements and networking protocols, and high-speed
mixed-signal and system-on-chip design expertise. To achieve our goal of profitably expanding our business, we are pursuing the following five strategies:
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Source: PMC SIERRA INC, 10-K, February 22, 2008