Microchip introduces the industry's most comprehensive 800G active cable (AEC) solution for generative artificial intelligence networks

     The rise of generative AI and AI/ML technologies has created new demands for faster connectivity, driving 800G connectivity for back-end data center networks and applications. Using active electronic cables (AEC) is currently the most effective solution, but cable providers need to overcome a number of design and development hurdles.

     To address this issue, Microchip Technology announced the launch of the META-DX2C 800G retimer to provide an accelerated development path for dual-density four-channel Small Pluggable Package (QSFP-DD) and eight-channel Small Pluggable Package (OSFP) AEC cable products. The Retimer is supported by a comprehensive 800G AEC product development solution that includes a hardware reference design and a complete Common Management Interface Specification (CMIS) package to minimize the development resources required by cable manufacturers.

     Maher Fahmi, vice president of Microchip's communications business unit, said: "This is the latest and most compact product in our META-DX2 Ethernet PHY family, leveraging Microchip's unique microcontrollers and other key components to provide a complete reference design that accelerates AEC product development, reduces resource investment and simplifies supply chain management." The META-DX2C retimer enables AEC connectivity for high-density networks required for generative AI applications."

     The META-DX2C retimer uses high-performance, long-distance 112G SerDes to support transmissions of up to 40 dB, enabling the design of thinner and longer AECs, which are critical for intensive hyperscale infrastructure construction. In addition, Microchip offers a fully validated reference design for card hardware and a software package for deploying CMIS software in Microchip's 32-bit PIC32 microcontrollers. Microchip's META-DX2C compact weight timer also solves similar connectivity challenges in high-volume data center switches and routers, avoiding signal integrity issues caused by high density and data rates.

     Alan Weckel, co-founder and analyst at market research firm 650 Group, said: "Generative AI is having a huge impact on how data center infrastructure is built and the amount of network connectivity required. To meet this challenge, hyperscale enterprises need high-bandwidth, low-power, and low-cost solutions. Our research found that active cables are the best solution to this challenge. Microchip's META-DX2C 800G AEC retimer follows this trend and is the solution needed to enable growth in this segment."