Datacom semiconductor vendor Marvell (NASDAQ: MRVL) says it will partner with TSMC (TWSE: 2330; NYSE:TSMC) on production of devices using 5-nm process technology. Marvell plans to offer a portfolio of 5-nm chips for high-performance compute, networking, and security applications.
Marvell says that it has multiple designs under contract for elements of its 5-nm portfolio. The company says it plans to offer 5-nm devices for the carrier, enterprise, automotive, and data center markets, with the first of these sampling by the end of next year. The 5-nm product line will leverage Marvell’s IP portfolio that includes high-speed SerDes up to 112G long-reach, processor subsystems, encryption engines, system-on-chip fabrics, chip-to-chip interconnects, and a variety of physical layer interfaces. The devices will be built using TSMC’s N5P process, which Marvell asserts is “an enhanced version” of TSMC’s 5-nm technology. Use of the process will enable approximately 20% faster speed or a 40% power reduction versus 7-nm devices, asserts the company.
“Now is the time to invest in data infrastructure – the world is relying on us – and our customers are depending on us,” said Raghib Hussain, chief strategy officer and executive vice president of the Networking and Processors Group at Marvell. “TSMC’s 5-nm process provides world-class power, performance, and gate density – and it’s critical for the demands of the leading companies in the world in cloud, 5G, enterprise, and automotive. We’re thrilled to have a strategic partner like TSMC to help us continue to push the boundaries of innovation possibilities.”
For related articles, visit the Optical Technologies Topic Center.
For more information on communications semiconductors and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.
To stay abreast of optical communications technology, subscribe to Lightwave’s Enabling Technologies Newsletter.
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.
You can connect with Stephen on LinkedIn as well as Twitter.