Inphi Corp. (NASDAQ: IPHI) says it is now sampling the Alcor PAM4 DSP platform for applications that require 25G to 100G per wavelength. The Alcor platform comprises a PAM4 DSP, linear transimpedance amplifier (TIA), and integrated 56-Gbaud laser drivers.
Based on the company’s Porrima PAM4 DSP platform, the Alcor fits well within less than 3.5-W QSFP28, DSFP, and SFP-DD optical modules. Its DSP is optimized to support reaches between 500 m and 2 km with a low power profile. It also features an integrated oscillator as well as telemetry features for networking diagnostics and anomaly detection. The integrated linear drivers eliminate the need for standalone driver components.
The IN5661TA that is part of the platform portfolio offers 56-Gbaud single/quad linear TIA performance with wide dynamic range. It features adjustable gain to optimize PAM4 system performance, what Inphi asserts is excellent signal integrity, as well as low power and a small-form-factor design.
“As the market leader in high-performance optical PAM4 DSP platforms for the data center market, Inphi has introduced a field-proven, backward-compatible solution that accelerates the industry’s migration to single-wavelength 100G,” said Andrew Schmitt, directing analyst at Cignal AI, via an Inphi press release. “Inphi’s new Alcor platform is an ideal choice for 100G PAM4-based module designs with a single EML laser or silicon photonics modulator, providing a more scalable, reliable, and cost-effective solution compared to traditional modules with up to four lasers.”
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About the Author
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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