Inphi Corp. (NYSE: IPHI) says it is sampling the Spica programmable 800-Gbps PAM4 DSP. The device, built in 7-nm CMOS, targets 14-W 800-Gbps, 2x400-Gbps, and 8x100-Gbps optical modules based on multi-lane 100-Gbps electrical interfaces. The Spica DSP features an integrated 56-GBaud laser driver with direct-drive capability. Inphi also announced companion linear drivers and a transimpedance amplifiers (TIA) as companion devices.
According to Eric Hayes, senior vice president, networking interconnect at Inphi, the Spica should see use in OSFP and emerging QSFP-DD800 optical modules designed to support the interface requirements of 25.6-Tbps switches for artificial intelligence (AI) clusters and similar applications. It leverages the eighth generation of Inphi’s PAM4 technology. Hayes expects the Spica DSP to become commercially available later this year, which would lead to first modules appearing sometime in early 2021.
“The delivery of high-performance, high-density, and low-power PAM4 800G optical modules is critical to enable the next generation of networking and AI systems,” said Osa Mok, CMO at transceiver vendor InnoLight Technology, via an Inphi press release. “Inphi’s ongoing commitment to innovation and market leadership will help us to stay one step ahead of the competition and make 800G optical modules a reality.”
Pairing with the Spica DSP are the IN5630SE/IN5634SE 56-GBaud single/quad linear drivers and the IN5665TA 56-GBaud single/quad linear TIA. The linear drivers feature what Inphi asserts is excellent linearity alongside high bandwidth and adjustable gain. The EML driver is available in a small package or bare die. The TIA, meanwhile, features wide dynamic range, “excellent” signal integrity, and low power in a small package.
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Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher, Lightwave
Stephen Hardy is editorial director and associate publisher of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report, part of the Lighting & Technology Group at Endeavor Business Media. Stephen is responsible for establishing and executing editorial strategy across the both brands’ websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products. He has covered the fiber-optics space for more than 20 years, and communications and technology for more than 35 years. During his tenure, Lightwave has received awards from Folio: and the American Society of Business Press Editors (ASBPE) for editorial excellence. Prior to joining Lightwave in 1997, Stephen worked for Telecommunications magazine and the Journal of Electronic Defense.
Stephen has moderated panels at numerous events, including the Optica Executive Forum, ECOC, and SCTE Cable-Tec Expo. He also is program director for the Lightwave Innovation Reviews and the Diamond Technology Reviews.
He has written numerous articles in all aspects of optical communications and fiber-optic networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), PON, optical components, DWDM, fiber cables, packet optical transport, optical transceivers, lasers, fiber optic testing, and more.
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