Microchip offers compact PM6200 META-DX2L 1.6T Ethernet PHY
Microchip Technology Inc. (Nasdaq: MCHP) has unveiled the PM6200 META-DX2L, a 1.6T Ethernet PHY for designs that use 112G PAM4 SerDes. The company touts the device’s small size, low-power operation, and flexibility as selling points for router, switch, and line-card developers working at transmission rates up to 800 Gigabit Ethernet (800GbE).
Designers can implement the META-DX2L as a dual 800GbE, quad 400GbE, or 16x 100/50/25/10/1 GbE PHY. In addition to Ethernet, it also will support OTN and Fibre Channel data rates as well as proprietary rates for artificial intelligence/machine learning applications. In support of such flexibility, the device features multi-rate SerDes and flexible gearbox capabilities as well as retiming and hitless 2:1 multiplexing. It supports both copper (for direct attach copper cabling requirements) and optical connectivity as well as crosspoint requirements.
The META-DX2L also provides a constant latency to enable IEEE 1588 Class C/D PTP at the system level. It offers FEC termination, monitoring, and conversion between multiple interface rates as well. And it provides all of these capabilities at a power level per port that is 35% lower than the company’s META-DX1 56G PAM4 predecessor.
The device also provides a means to overcome the signal integrity issues anticipated with 112G applications, according to Stephen Docking, manager of product marketing in the communications business unit at MicroChip. Docking sees the device finding use in a variety of applications, including data center switch/routers, service provider routers, fixed form factor data center switches, and compact data center interconnect muxponders. Docking reports significant initial interest in using the META-DX2L for dense 400G and 100G requirements with an upgrade path to 800G.
MicroChip plans to begin sampling the META-DX2L in the fourth quarter of this year. The company promises a complete software development kit (SDK) with hitless upgrade and warm restart capabilities as well as a full set of design-in collateral, reference designs, and evaluation boards.
When the device does become available, it could prove popular according to one analyst. “The industry is transitioning to a 112G PAM4 ecosystem for high-density switching, packet processing, and optics,” said Bob Wheeler, principal analyst for networking at The Linley Group, via a MicroChip press release. “Microchip’s META-DX2L is optimized to address these demands by bridging line cards to switch fabrics and multi-rate optics for 100GbE, 400GbE, and 800GbE connectivity.”
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 fiber network deployments, subscribe to Lightwave’s Service Providers and Datacom/Data Center newsletters.
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.