Credo offers 100G mux/retimer based on 50-Gbps PAM4

Serializer-deserializer (SerDes) specialist Credo Semiconductor has introduced the Credo CMX12550 mux, a sub 1-W multiplexer (mux)/retimer device. It is designed to support 100-Gbps optical modules with 50-Gbps per lambda throughput based on PAM4. The mux/retimer, which is now sampling, will support four bidirectional 25-Gbps NRZ lanes as well as two 50-Gbps PAM4 bidirectional lanes, the company says.

Credo says it has avoided the high power and reliance on DSP technology of other approaches to PAM4 50-Gbps wavelengths.

"The combination of our unique analog architecture and advanced equalization techniques has allowed us to deliver a solution that solves the significant thermal and performance challenges associated with developing next-generation optical modules," explained Jeff Twombly, vice president of business development for Credo. "As the first of many off-the-shelf semiconductor solutions to come from Credo, this new device demonstrates how our SerDes IP technology can be applied to enable accelerated throughput in the data center."

Credo says the CMX12550 can be applied to both optical transceivers and line cards. It is compliant with such standards as CEI-28G-VSR/SR, CEI-56G-VSR-PAM4, CAUI-4, and CDAUI-8.

The company says it is sampling the device in a 10x10-mm FCBGA package. An evaluation kit is also available.

Additional devices within the family are expected to sample this summer.

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