MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. (MACOM)said it has partnered with optical transceiver developer ColorChip to launch a full bi-directional 100G Serial QSFP28 module using the patented MACOM PRISM PAM4 PHY.
A highly integrated PAM4 PHY, the MACOM PRISM converts 100 Gigabit Ethernet traffic from four lanes running at 25 Gbps to a single lane running at 100 Gbps, says MACOM. With only one set of optical components required in a 100GE module, customers will be able to obtain the requiredcost points for next generation 100G links.
MACOM expects its PRISM device to lessen demands on module designers, and enable seamless integration with current100G switch ports by combining features such as IEEE 100GBASE-DR compliant forward error correction (FEC) and a linear modulator driver.
Optical suppliers are increasing initiatives to minimize module costs and maximize system density to gain a competitive advantage as 100G technology hits maturity in 2018. Single Lambda PAM-4 modulation enables 100G delivery throughput over a single fiber, according to MACOM.
Decreasing the number of lasers from four to one in an optical transceivermodule, Single Lambda PAM-4 modulation also has associated cost and density benefits that are crucial to optical suppliers' efforts. MACOM anticipates that single lambda PAM-4 will in effect become the standard for 100G connectivity for data center operators, with deployment beginning later this year.
MACOM unveiled its 100G Single Lambda family of components for the development of QSFP-based optical modules that leverage PAM4 modulation for data center applications in 2017 (see "MACOM unveils PAM4-based single-lambda 100-Gbps component family").
"Working with an industry pioneer like ColorChip, we have been able to show the performance and cost benefits of our PRISM Chip at 100G serial line rate," said Chris Collins, MACOM's director of marketing. "This demonstration validates the R&D investment that MACOM has made in 53 GBaud PAM4 and poises us to enable seamless integration with optical components for the next generation of Cloud data center deployment."
Attendees can learn about ColorChip's100G Single Lambda QSFP28 technology by visiting Booth 2529 at OFC 2018 this week in San Diego, CA. Attendees can learn more about MACOM's full optical and lightwave components line by visiting Booth 2613. The company has begun sampling its PRISM today.
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