Credo targets Seagull 50 PAM4 DSP toward 5G optical modules
Credo Semiconductor has introduced the Seagull 50 (CFD10101) PAM4 DSP at this week’s CIOE event in Shenzhen. The DSP supports 2x25G <—> 1x50G and 1x50G <—> 1x50G modes for use in optical transceivers targeted at support 5G mobile fronthaul, midhaul, and backhaul.
Seagull 50 is a dual-mode DSP that can be used as a gearbox or retimer. In gearbox mode, the IC is configured as two lanes of 24.33- to 25.78-Gbps NRZ on the host side to one lane of 50.135- to 53.125-Gbps PAM4 on the line side. In retimer applications, the DSP is configured as one lane of 50.135- to 53.125-Gbps PAM4 to one lane of 50.135- to 53.125-Gbps PAM4. The device offers what Credo asserts is “industry-leading power dissipation” for use in QSFP28, DSFP, and SFP56 pluggable optical transceivers. It supports 50-Gbps SR/DR/FR/LR and ER applications based on PAM4 modulation. Seagull 50 will operates over the full industrial temperature range of -40oC to +85oC. In addition to support of modules for 5G wireless/eCPRI front-, mid-, and backhaul applications, Credo foresees the Seagull 50 finding favor for data center transceivers as well.
Other features of the Seagull 50 include:
- Interoperability with existing optical modules
- Multi-tap Tx pre-emphasis
- Continuous CTLE
- Multi-tap DFE/FFE Rx equalization
- Optimized, compact firmware
- Deterministic latency.
“Radio Access Network architectures are changing to support 5G networks, and new wireless networks are increasingly using high-bandwidth front-haul and mid-haul connections,” commented Chris DePuy, founder and technology analyst at 650 Group, via a Credo press release. “To support such a large number of new links in the 5G era, a new generation of high-capacity transport systems capable of 50G speeds and multi-kilometer distances are needed.”
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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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