The RS8973 is Conexant's latest addition to the ZipWire family of 2B1Q xDSL modems. It offers up to 2.32 Mbps operation, ultra-low power consumption and an integrated frequency synthesizer, while maintaining pin-for-pin compatibility with the Bt8970. The integrated frequency synthesizer is ideal for variable rate SDSL applications. Via software control, the RS8973 can be programmed to operate at data rates from 144 Kbps to 2320 Kbps, while requiring only a single crystal as a clock reference. The transmission distance will increase as the data rate decreases -- reaching as far as 21,000 ft (or 7 Km) at 144 Kbps and 8,200 ft (or 3.1 Km) at 2.32 Mbps (over 26AWG wire, in absence of noise). In addition, power consumption has been significantly reduced, allowing the RS8973 to dissipate about 850mW when operating at 2.3 Mbps. The power consumption decreases with lower data rates.