Inphi Corp. (NYSE: IPHI) says it is now sampling the Porrima Gen3 Single-Lambda PAM4 platform. The third generation of the company’s Porrima device offers lower power, a smaller footprint, and support of a wider range of lasers, according to the company.
The 7-nm CMOS Porrima Gen3 features an expanded feature set and improved direct drive capability versus the previous generations. Therefore, a wider range of lasers can be used with the integrated 56-Gbaud laser driver. Meanwhile, the device offers lower power to enable total module power consumption of less than 8 W for 400-Gbps DR4/FR4 QSFP-DD optical transceivers with 8x50-Gbps electrical interfaces. To ease the transition from the previous generations of the Porrima, the Gen3 offers a compatible API and software suite as well as backward pin-to-pin compatibility. The chip also features self-test and loopback modes that allow diagnostic monitoring of channel and system parameters as well as a modular API software suite that addresses link margin and stress testing along with data and error analytics.
Inphi also announced the companion IN5661TA/5664TA, a 56-Gbaud low-power single/quad linear transimpedance amplifier (TIA).
“Once again, Inphi demonstrates market leadership with its ongoing commitment to reduce both the footprint and power of its PAM4 solutions,” commented Andrew Schmitt, directing analyst at Cignal AI, via an Inphi press release. “Inphi’s PAM4 DSP is well-positioned to address the need for standards-based 400GbE connectivity as well as the customized, high-volume hardware requirements of large cloud operators.”
Gen2 of the Porrima earned a 4.5 rating in the 2020 Lightwave Innovation Reviews.
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.