New META-DX2C 800G retimer is supported by a whole {hardware} and software program reference design with key Microchip elements
The rise of generative AI and AI/ML applied sciences is fueling demand for extra high-speed connections and, in flip, the push towards 800G connectivity in backend knowledge heart networks and functions. This may be optimally addressed utilizing Energetic Electrical Cables (AECs), however there are quite a few design and growth hurdles for cable distributors to beat. To handle this, Microchip Expertise Inc. (Nasdaq: MCHP) immediately publicizes an accelerated growth path for these Quad Small Type Issue Pluggable Double Density (QSFP-DD) and Octal Small Type Issue Pluggable (OSFP) AEC cable merchandise utilizing its META-DX2C 800G retimer. The retimer is supported by a complete answer for 800G AEC product growth together with a {hardware} reference design and full Widespread Administration Interface Specification (CMIS) software program bundle to reduce growth sources wanted for cable producers.
“The latest and most compact member of our META-DX2 Ethernet PHY household leverages Microchip’s distinctive breadth of microcontrollers and different key elements to offer a whole reference design that accelerates AEC product growth, reduces useful resource investments and simplifies supply-chain administration,” mentioned Maher Fahmi, vice chairman for Microchip’s communications enterprise unit. “The META-DX2C retimer allows AEC connections for the high-density networks which are wanted for generative AI functions.”
The META-DX2C retimer makes use of high-performance, long-reach 112G SerDes that may help as much as 40 dB attain, enabling the design of thinner and longer AECs which are essential for dense hyperscaler infrastructure buildouts. Moreover, Microchip is providing a totally validated paddle card {hardware} reference design and a software program bundle that implements the CMIS software program in a Microchip 32-bit PIC32 microcontroller. Microchip’s META-DX2C compact retimer can even remedy comparable connectivity challenges in high-capacity knowledge heart switches and routers the place excessive density and knowledge charges create sign integrity issues.
“Generative AI is impacting how knowledge heart infrastructure is being constructed and the quantity of community connectivity that’s required, in an enormous approach,” mentioned Alan Weckel, co-founder and analyst with the market analysis agency 650 Group. “To handle this problem, hyperscalers want options which are very excessive bandwidth in addition to low energy and low value. We’re seeing a transition to energetic electrical cables because the optimum answer for this problem. Microchip’s META-DX2C 800G AEC retimer is aligned with this development and is the kind of answer wanted to allow progress on this space.”
Improvement Bundle
Microchip’s META-DX2C 800G AEC answer is supported by a paddle card reference design that features the META-DX2C retimer, PIC32 microcontroller, oscillators, buck regulator and linear voltage regulator, all from Microchip. Having these components obtainable from a single provider can simplify a buyer’s provide chain administration. The included software program growth package helps the CMIS 5.2 specification.
