MACOM unveils 2-chip analog platform for 200/400G data center multimode connectivity

MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. (Lowell, MA), a supplier of semiconductor products, today announced the availability of its two-chip analog solution for 200G and 400G short reach modules (QSFP, OSFP, QSFP-DD) and active optical cable (AOC) applications in the data center.

The company says the new chipset delivers better than IEEE standard specified bit error rate (BER) performance and is compliant with Open Eye MSA eye mask specifications. The chipset consists of two integrated combo devices:

• The MATA-38044, a 4x56Gbps PAM-4 CDR and TIA
• The MALD-38045, a 4x56Gbps PAM-4 CDR and VCSEL driver

Per a MACOM statement:

The MATA-38044 is a four channel 28 GBaud linear PAM-4/NRZ TIA with automatic gain control and integrated CDRs. The MALD-38045 is a four channel 28 GBaud PAM-4/NRZ VCSEL driver with an integrated CDR designed to directly modulate VCSELs in the transmit path of optical modules. Each of the four channels can operate independently. Both devices consume industry-leading low power and can operate at Ethernet, Fibre Channel and InfiniBand PAM-4 and NRZ data rates up to 56 Gbps.

According to MACOM, this two-chip analog solution provides an alternative to traditional DSP-based technology. The company says its two-chip analog platform has "lower power consumption, lower latency, lower cost and requires a smaller footprint when compared to a DSP-based solution."

MACOM will host virtual demonstrations at the virtually-held OFC 2021 conference highlighting the new two-chip analog chipset’s standard compliance and interoperability with Ethernet switches. Learn more at www.macom.com.