Broadcom unveils BCM87106 7-nm PAM4 PHY for single-lambda 100G
Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) earlier this month introduced the BCM87106 7-nm 100G PAM4 PHY. The device leverages Broadcom’s 7-nm Centenario 112G PAM4 technology for applications based on single-lambda 100G approaches, such as 100G DR, 100G FR, 400G DR4, and 400G FR4 optical transceivers.
The company asserts that use of a 7-nm CMOS approach enables the BCM87106 to offer increased performance margin and flexibility while reducing power – enabling more than 30% power savings compared to 16-nm PHYs, says Broadcom. Features of the BCM87106 include:
- DSP performance and power efficiency that enables DR/FR/LR/DR4/FR4/LR4 optical modules, including QSFP-DD/OSFP/QSFP28, to meet IEEE and MSA specifications
- Client-side interoperability with Broadcom switch ASICs and ASSPs via 28-Gbaud PAM4 and NRZ SerDes architecture, with the ability to support 100GbE via either 4x25G NRZ or 2x50G PAM4 physical lanes
- PAM-4 client-side interface compliance to the CEI-28G/56G medium reach (MR) specification
- 802.3bs standard-compliant KP4, KR4, and end-to-end FEC bypass operation to support DR4-DR1 break-out and longer distance links
- API based PHY firmware with compatibility for both BCM87400 and BCM87106 for faster time to market.
Broadcom complements the BCM87106 with a range of optical and PMD devices. The III-V devices include EMLs (283Q), EMLs on carrier (729Q), and PIN photodetectors (118K35) for 100G and 400G long-reach applications. The PMDs include linear laser drivers (AFSI-N91C4L1/2) and TIAs (AFSI-R91C4L, AFSI-R94C4L) for 100G and 400G applications.
All of the devices, including the BCM87106, are shipping.
For related articles, visit the Optical Technologies Topic Center.
For more information about communications semiconductors and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.

Stephen Hardy | Editorial Director and Associate Publisher
Stephen Hardy has covered fiber optics for more than 15 years, and communications and technology for more than 30 years. He is responsible for establishing and executing Lightwave's editorial strategy across its digital magazine, website, newsletters, research and other information products. He has won multiple awards for his writing.
Contact Stephen to discuss:
- Contributing editorial material to the Web site or digital magazine
- The direction of a digital magazine issue, staff-written article, or event
- Lightwave editorial attendance at industry events
- Arranging a visit to Lightwave's offices
- Coverage of announcements
- General questions of an editorial nature