Semtech launched its CopperEdge product portfolio for use in next-generation 400G (4x100G) and 800G (8x100G) data center interconnects using copper cable and backplane interconnects. The CopperEdge GN8112 is the first product sampling in the portfolio.
As next-generation data center interconnects transition to 112 Gbps, PAM4 per lane to meet higher bandwidth and throughput demands, passive copper cables can only enable reaches of up to 1.5 meters. This severely limits the use cases of passive copper cables in data centers at 112 Gbps and has created a strong demand for active copper cables (ACCs) that extend the copper cable reaches to allow for the high-volume, switch-to-server connections. The CopperEdge GN8112 is a 112-Gbps, PAM4, quad-channel linear equalizer designed to enable low-cost, manufacturable ACCs that can deliver reaches of up to 5 meters over a copper twinaxial cable assembly. This reach extension enables ACCs to service the large volume 400G and 800G data center interconnects while offering ultralow power (< 0.75 W per 400G) and ultralow latency (< 10 ps).