Semtech to Showcase New Linear Pluggable Optical Links for AI and ML Data Center Interconnects at OFC 2024

Rhea-AI Summary

Semtech demonstrates 100Gbps/lane linear pluggable optical links with DirectEdge™ and FiberEdge® PMDs at OFC 2024, showcasing superior equalization for true plug-and-play LPO. The company emphasizes commitment to support LPO adoption and highlights benefits of reduced power consumption, latency, and costs for data centers.

Insights

Telecommunications Engineer

Semtech Corporation's recent demonstration of 100Gbps/lane linear pluggable optical links is a significant development in the field of high-speed data transmission. The use of PAM4 PMDs, which stands for four-level Pulse Amplitude Modulation Physical Media Dependent, indicates a shift towards more efficient encoding techniques that can double the data rate without increasing the bandwidth. This advancement is particularly relevant for data centers, where bandwidth and power efficiency are critical.

The potential power savings of up to 50% compared to DSP-based solutions is a notable aspect. This reduction in power consumption can be a game-changer for data centers looking to increase compute capabilities while managing operational costs. Moreover, the reduced latency and lower costs associated with LPO solutions compared to traditional DSP-based solutions can significantly enhance the competitiveness of data centers in an industry where speed and cost efficiency are paramount.

Market Research Analyst

From a market perspective, Semtech's innovation in the LPO space may have a ripple effect on the semiconductor and data center markets. The drive towards more efficient and cost-effective solutions is likely to increase demand for Semtech's products, potentially impacting its market share and financial performance positively. Investors should note the company's positioning as a founding member of the LPO MSA, which could translate into strategic partnerships and early adoption of its technologies.

Furthermore, the emphasis on AI and ML applications indicates a strategic alignment with growing sectors that demand high-speed interconnects. As these technologies continue to evolve and require more robust data infrastructure, Semtech's offerings could become increasingly integral to the broader tech ecosystem. The market should monitor adoption rates and customer feedback following these demonstrations, as they will provide valuable indicators of the technology's performance and market acceptance.

Data Center Operations Specialist

The operational implications for data centers adopting Semtech's new LPO modules are substantial. The promise of reduced optical module power consumption aligns with the industry's push towards greener and more sustainable operations. Data centers can leverage these power savings to scale their operations without proportionally increasing their carbon footprint.

Additionally, the interoperability showcased with the latest switch ASIC technology and NIC technology suggests that integration into existing infrastructure might be seamless, which is important for data centers that cannot afford extensive downtime. The move towards LPO could also streamline the supply chain, as the plug-and-play nature of these modules simplifies the upgrade process, potentially reducing maintenance costs and complexity.

DirectEdge™ and FiberEdge® PMDs enable Linear Drive architecture delivering superior equalization for true plug-and-play LPO

CAMARILLO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC), a high-performance semiconductor, IoT systems and cloud connectivity service provider and a founding member of the LPO MSA (www.lpo-msa.org), today announced the demonstration of 100Gbps/lane linear pluggable optical links featuring Semtech’s PAM4 PMDs from its FiberEdge product line and from its new DirectEdge brand, focused specifically on LPO (Linear Pluggable Optics) applications.

Semtech FiberEdge DirectEdge 100G LPO (Graphic: Business Wire)

At the Optical Fiber Communication (OFC) 2024 exhibition in San Diego, California, from Mar. 26 to 28, Semtech’s live demonstration in Semtech’s booth #5301 will include:

• 400Gbps SR4 LPO modules and 800G SR8 LPO modules, featuring Semtech’s DirectEdge GN1858 quad VCSEL driver and GN1856 quad TIA, interoperating in isolation with latest switch ASIC technology as well as with the latest Network Interface Card (NIC) technology, emulating a Top of Rack to NIC arrangement
• 400Gbps DR4 LPO module featuring Semtech’s FiberEdge MZM driver and GN1814 quad TIA, interoperating with latest switch ASIC technology
• 400Gbps FR4 LPO module featuring Semtech’s FiberEdge EML driver and GN1817 quad TIA, interoperating with latest switch ASIC technology
• 800Gbps DR8 LPO module featuring Semtech’s FiberEdge EML driver, GN1825 octal TIA and GN8089 Semtech’s own PIC (Photonic Integrated Circuit), interoperating with latest switch ASIC technology

In addition, 400Gbps SR4 and DR4 LPO modules with Semtech’s PMDs will be interoperating with latest switch ASIC technology and other LPO modules from multi-vendor ecosystem in OIF’s booth #1323.

“The demonstration of a vast number of ready-to-adopt multi-mode and single-mode LPO modules in Semtech’s booth at OFC this year to the extensive PMDs already present in the FiberEdge product line, reflects Semtech’s commitment to support LPO and take it to the next adoption level,” said Nicola Bramante, senior product line manager for Semtech’s Signal Integrity Products Group. “Reliable signal integrity, equalization and flexibility are key to make LPO successful, and Semtech’s DirectEdge and FiberEdge PMDs are the perfect candidates for this to match the needs of AI and ML high speed interconnects while reducing optical module power consumption by up to 50% versus DSP based solutions. Data centers are expected to utilize this power savings to deploy increased compute capability. LPO solutions also offer reduced latency and lower costs than DSP based solutions delivering additional value propositions for data centers.”

About Semtech’s Optical Products

Semtech’s optical networking product platforms provide high-performance signal integrity for optical module solutions used by leading companies in the data center/enterprise networking, wireless infrastructure and passive optical network/Fiber to the X markets. For more information, visit www.semtech.com/optical.

About Semtech

Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC) is a high-performance semiconductor, IoT systems and cloud connectivity service provider dedicated to delivering high quality technology solutions that enable a smarter, more connected and sustainable planet. Our global teams are dedicated to empowering solution architects and application developers to develop breakthrough products for the infrastructure, industrial and consumer markets. To learn more about Semtech technology, visit us at Semtech.com or follow us on LinkedIn or X.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

All statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements that use the words “will” or other similar words or expressions, that describe Semtech’s or its management’s future plans, objectives or goals are “forward-looking statements” and are made pursuant to the Safe-Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results of Semtech to be materially different from the historical results and/or from any future results or outcomes expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include those risk factors set forth in Semtech’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov) on March 30, 2023 as such risk factors may be updated, amended or superseded from time to time by subsequent reports that Semtech files with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Semtech assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Semtech, the Semtech logo and FiberEdge are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation or its subsidiaries.

SMTC-P

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240326427103/en/

Semtech Corporation

Kathrina Brigola

+1 604 233 7911

Source: Semtech Corporation

FAQ

What is Semtech showcasing at OFC 2024?

Semtech is demonstrating 100Gbps/lane linear pluggable optical links with DirectEdge™ and FiberEdge® PMDs at OFC 2024.

What are the key features of Semtech's DirectEdge and FiberEdge PMDs?

Semtech's DirectEdge and FiberEdge PMDs provide reliable signal integrity, equalization, and flexibility for high-speed interconnects, reducing optical module power consumption by up to 50% versus DSP based solutions.

How does Semtech aim to support LPO adoption?

Semtech is committed to supporting LPO adoption by offering ready-to-adopt multi-mode and single-mode LPO modules, reflecting the company's dedication to advancing LPO technology.

What benefits do LPO solutions offer for data centers?

LPO solutions offer reduced power consumption, latency, and costs compared to DSP based solutions, providing additional value propositions for data centers.