800G Active Electrical Cables (AECs) used for generative AI networks

Active Electrical Cables (AECs) present a solution to this requirement. However, cable vendors face substantial challenges in design and development. In response, Microchip Technology revealed a streamlined approach for developing Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Double Density (QSFP-DD) and Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable (OSFP) AEC cable products. This approach is facilitated by its META-DX2C 800G retimer and is complemented by a holistic solution encompassing a hardware reference design and a full Common Management Interface Specification (CMIS) software package, aimed at reducing the developmental resources required by cable manufacturers.

Maher Fahmi, Vice President of Microchip’s communications business unit, elaborated: “The latest addition to our META-DX2 Ethernet PHY portfolio utilises Microchip’s extensive range of microcontrollers among other essential components to deliver a comprehensive reference design. This expedites the AEC product development process, diminishes resource expenditure, and streamlines supply-chain operations. The META-DX2C retimer is pivotal for AEC connections within the dense networks essential for generative AI applications.”

The META-DX2C retimer incorporates advanced, long-reach 112G SerDes, capable of up to 40 dB reach, enabling the creation of slimmer and extended AECs that are vital for the expansion of dense hyperscaler infrastructures. Additionally, Microchip offers a fully validated paddle card hardware reference design and a software package integrating CMIS software with a Microchip 32-bit PIC32 microcontroller. The compact META-DX2C retimer by Microchip also addresses connectivity challenges in high-capacity data centre switches and routers, where high density and data rates pose signal integrity issues.

Alan Weckel, Co-Founder, and Analyst at market research firm 650 Group, noted: “Generative AI significantly influences the construction of data centre infrastructure and the extent of network connectivity required. Hyperscalers are in need of solutions that deliver high bandwidth while maintaining low power consumption and cost-effectiveness. The shift towards active electrical cables is becoming the preferred solution for these challenges. Microchip’s META-DX2C 800G AEC retimer is a prime example of the solutions facilitating growth in this sector.”

Development package

Microchip’s META-DX2C 800G AEC offering includes a paddle card reference design featuring the META-DX2C retimer, a PIC32 microcontroller, oscillators, a buck regulator, and a linear voltage regulator, all sourced from Microchip. This consolidation of components from a single provider simplifies supply chain management for customers. The software development kit provided supports the CMIS 5.2 specification.

Availability

The META-DX2C retimer, part #PM6254, along with the hardware reference design, firmware solution, and SDK, is currently available.