Broadcom reveals fastest low power CMOS 100G PHY transmitter
Broadcom Corporation has announced, what it claims, is the world's fastest CMOS transmitter PHY for long-haul, regional and metropolitan data transport.
The firm says its BCM84128 100G transmitter achieves an aggregate data rate of 128 Gbps with four 32.1G lanes, at the industry's lowest power of two watts (a reduction of 60 percent compared to similar devices). This enables high-capacity, 100G optical modules and line-card designs.
Also, Broadcom points out the higher reliability and testability of the module are enabled through its proven 40nm CMOS process technology.
Increased demand for broadband applications such as on-demand services and streaming video is exerting pressure on long-haul and metro networks, driving the need for higher data transmission rates.
According to analyst firm Dell'Oro, demand for 100 Gbps optical transport continues to grow as networks upgrade to terabit-capacity equipment in long haul and metro applications. Dell'Oro forecasts 100 Gbps shipments to grow approximately 140 percent in 2013.
"The BCM84128 high performance transmitter PHY reflects the industry-leading innovation we are known for, allowing OEMs to leverage 100G PHYs developed in standard CMOS process technology with its inherent advantages of lower power and reliability," says Lorenzo Longo, Broadcom Vice President and General Manager, Physical Layer Products (PLP).
"Today's introduction provides Broadcom with the opportunity to participate in a new market segment and pave the way for 100G optical transport."
The BCM84128 transmitter provides a full-rate clock output at 32 GHz and a half-rate clock output at 16 GHz. Advanced features such as clock and data skew control adjust the lane-to-lane skew and the date-to-clock skew on the line-side interface.
Broadcom believes it is paving the way to 100G long-haul optical networks with an end-to-end portfolio of switching fabrics and physical layer technology.
The BCM84128 transmitter PHY is now sampling with volume production slated for Q2 2013.
