As data center architectures continue to evolve and traffic surges, the need for higher bandwidth between data centers becomes more and more urgent. To effectively address this challenge, system developers need to streamline the development process of next-generation 1.2Tbps transport solutions to accommodate diverse client configurations. This not only requires terabit Ethernet PHY devices and coherent optical modules to achieve efficient interoperability in data center interconnect (DCI) and metro transport networks, but also places higher demands on device performance and compatibility.
Microchip Technology today announced that it has partnered with Acacia Communications to successfully demonstrate the fourth-generation interoperability between Microchip's META-DX2 Ethernet PHY family and Acacia's coherent interconnect module, CIM 8. The result of this collaboration provides a low-power, bandwidth-optimized, and scalable solution for pluggable fibers in DCI and transport networks, while delivering three key benefits to optical transport platforms:
DCI Bandwidth Optimization: Microchip's META-DX2 family leverages Lambda Splitting technology to distribute 400 GbE or 800 GbE client signals to multiple wavelengths driven by the CIM8 module through its META-DX2+ PHY. This technology can be used to maximize transmission capacity between data centers, such as 3×800 GbE at ×2×1.2 Tbps wavelength or 5×400 GbE at 21.0 Tbps wavelength.
Reduced Design Risk: Microchip and Acacia have jointly validated SerDes interoperability for Ethernet and OTN clients at up to 112G per lane, significantly reducing the complexity of system design verification and qualification.
Full-bandwidth, multi-rate operation support: The META-DX2+'s crosspoint and gearbox capabilities ensure full-bandwidth connectivity from 100 GbE to 800 GbE client modules to the CIM8 module.
Figure: Microchip in partnership with Acacia
"This interoperability demonstration with Acacia not only deepens our long-standing relationship, but also provides a path to accelerate and optimize the construction of cloud and AI-ready fiber networks, while reducing development risk for our customers," said Maher Fahmi, vice president of Microchip's Communications Business Unit. Our META-DX2 solution is the first 112G PAM4 device on the market to integrate 1.6T encryption, port aggregation and Lambda Splitting, setting a new benchmark in the industry.”
"The successful interoperability of Acacia's CIM 8 coherent modules with Microchip's META-DX2 devices provides us with a robust solution to help reduce the time to market for our systems," said Markus Weber, senior director of product line management for DSPs at Acacia. With their small size and efficient power performance, our CIM 8 coherent modules are designed to help network operators quickly deploy and scale high-bandwidth DWDM connectivity capacity between data centers and across transport networks.”
