Events News
Semtech, Amphenol unite on 1.6T OSFP ACC product
4th April 2025
Mick Elliott
Amphenol and Semtech have introduced a 1.6T OSFP Active Copper Cable (ACC) product featuring Semtech's CopperEdge 224G/lane linear equalizer/redriver ICs, targeted for use in next-generation AI/ML and data centre infrastructure.
The explosion of data centre deployments to support new AI/ML applications and workloads is driving requirements for ever higher-bandwidth interconnect solutions between compute and storage resources in clusters.
Amphenol’s 1.6T OSFP ACC with Semtech's CopperEdge technology is designed for use with leading-edge 200G/lane switches and xPUs, and provides the extended reach required to connect adjacent equipment racks with high performance and reliability.
“We expect deployment of 224G/lane data centre infrastructure starting in 2025 and ramping rapidly over the coming years, as AI/ML applications continue to push the envelope on performance and interconnect bandwidth,” commented Bob Wheeler, analyst at large, LightCounting. “We see 1.6T active copper cables (ACCs) as a key tool to support these higher interconnect speeds at manageable power consumption and cost.”
Compared to alternative approaches, the 1.6T OSFP ACC provides
- Ultra-low power consumption (up to 90% lower than DSP-based solutions), significantly reducing thermal design constraints and energy cost
- Ultra-low latency (sub-100ps) for demanding AI/ML workloads
- Simple configuration and control, compliant with auto-negotiation and link training, for easier management and link bring up
“We’re excited to collaborate with Semtech on this 1.6T interconnect innovation,” said Greg Walz, director of product marketing for high-speed I/O Cables at Amphenol. “The 1.6T ACC is a key addition to our industry-leading interconnect portfolio for leading-edge data centre customers interested in high-performance, low power solutions.”
“The combination of Amphenol’s world-class cable technology and manufacturing scale with Semtech’s advanced semiconductor capability creates a powerful customer offering,” added Brian Bentham, data centre market manager at Semtech. “Together, we are delivering technology that is helping deliver the reliable, high-bandwidth, low-power connectivity enabling next-generation AI/ML infrastructure.”
The ACC product was unveiled at OFC 2025 in San Francisco.
