Microchip announced the launch of the META-DX2C 800G retimer to provide an accelerated development path for dual-density four-channel Small Pluggable Package (QSFP-DD) and eight-channel Small Pluggable Package (OSFP) AEC cable products. The Retimer is supported by a comprehensive 800G AEC product development solution that includes a hardware reference design and a complete Common Management Interface Specification (CMIS) package to minimize the development resources required by cable manufacturers.
The new META-DX2C 800G retimer comes with comprehensive hardware and software reference design support, including key Microchip components
The rise of generative AI and AI/ML technologies has created new demands for faster connectivity, driving 800G connectivity for back-end data center networks and applications. Using active electronic cables (AEC) is currently the most effective solution, but cable providers need to overcome a number of design and development hurdles. To address this issue, Microchip Technology Inc. today announced the launch of the META-DX2C 800G weight timer. Provides an accelerated development path for dual-density four-channel Small Pluggable Package (QSFP-DD) and eight-channel Small Pluggable Package (OSFP) AEC cable products. The Retimer is supported by a comprehensive 800G AEC product development solution that includes a hardware reference design and a complete Common Management Interface Specification (CMIS) package to minimize the development resources required by cable manufacturers.
Maher Fahmi, vice president of Microchip's communications business unit, said: "This is the latest and most compact product in our META-DX2 Ethernet PHY family, leveraging Microchip's unique microcontrollers and other key components to provide a complete reference design that accelerates AEC product development, reduces resource investment and simplifies supply chain management." The META-DX2C retimer enables AEC connectivity for high-density networks required for generative AI applications."
The META-DX2C retimer uses high-performance, long-distance 112G SerDes to support transmissions of up to 40 dB, enabling the design of thinner and longer AECs, which are critical for intensive hyperscale infrastructure construction. In addition, Microchip offers a fully validated reference design for card hardware and a software package for deploying CMIS software in Microchip's 32-bit PIC32 microcontrollers. Microchip's META-DX2C compact weight timer also solves similar connectivity challenges in high-volume data center switches and routers, avoiding signal integrity issues caused by high density and data rates.
Alan Weckel, co-founder and analyst at market research firm 650 Group, said: "Generative AI is having a huge impact on how data center infrastructure is built and the amount of network connectivity required. To meet this challenge, hyperscale enterprises need high-bandwidth, low-power, and low-cost solutions. Our research found that active cables are the best solution to this challenge. Microchip's META-DX2C 800G AEC retimer follows this trend and is the solution needed to enable growth in this segment."
Developer kit
Microchip's META-DX2C 800G AEC solution is powered by a card reference design. The reference design includes a META-DX2C retimer, PIC32 microcontroller, oscillator, step-down regulator, and linear regulator, all from Microchip. Having a single supplier of these components simplifies supply chain management for customers. The included software development kit conforms to the CMIS 5.2 specification.
Supply of goods
The META-DX2C retimer (Part number: PM6254) includes a hardware reference design, firmware solution, and SDK and is available now. For more information, visit the META-DX Family of Products webpage or contact a Microchip sales representative.
About Microchip Technology Inc
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of embedded control solutions for intelligence, connectivity and security. Its easy-to-use development tools and extensive product portfolio allow customers to create optimal designs that reduce total system cost and time to market while reducing risk. Microchip's solutions serve more than 125,000 customers in the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications, and computing markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip provides outstanding technical support, reliable product delivery, and superior quality.
