Date: 09/12/2020

New Alcor DSP from Inphi for 100G PAM4-based optical module designs

High-speed optical- based data interconnect designers who are now looking to move on from 25G to 100G per wavelength, have a new PAM4 DSP from Inphi with more integrated features. The new Alcor platform comes with integrated 56Gbaud laser drivers that enable less than 3.5W QSFP28, DSFP and SFP-DD optical modules.

This new product with Inphi’s field proven PAM4 DSP technology, Linear TIA and Driver is based on already successful Inphi's Porrima PAM4 DSP platform.

The new PAM4 DSP also offers integrated driver options to address a broad range of implementations for optical interconnects.

Alcor platform, at core has a field proven and qualified configurable DSP engine, and it is optimized to enable optical interconnect solutions for distances between 500 meters to 2km. Low-power consuming Alcor supports advanced telemetry features for networking diagnostics and anomaly detection. High-performance linear drivers integrated in this device saves from the need for standalone components.

“As the market leader in high-performance optical PAM4 DSP platforms for the data center market, Inphi has introduced a field-proven, backward-compatible solution that accelerates the industry’s migration to single-wavelength 100G,” said Andrew Schmitt, Directing Analyst at Cignal AI. “Inphi’s new Alcor platform is an ideal choice for 100G PAM4-based module designs with a single EML laser or Silicon Photonics modulator, providing a more scalable, reliable and cost-effective solution compared to traditional modules with up to four lasers.”

“Inphi’s execution and delivery of the Alcor PAM4 DSP with integrated driver, furthers our market leadership position, addressing an ever growing SAM, as NRZ based solutions accelerate migration to PAM4,” said Eric Hayes, senior VP, Networking Interconnect at Inphi. “The integration, low power, and advanced telemetry of Alcor will accelerate creation and adoption of PAM4 based 100G DR optical modules, continuing to grow Inphi’s already vast ecosystem to even more partners.”

Other features include integrated oscillator, seamless firmware transition with compatible API software suite accelerates time to market

The IN5661TA is a 56GBaud low-power single/quad linear trans-impedance amplifier for PAM4 optical modules with wide dynamic range, adjustable gain and high-quality signal integrity necessary for PAM4 modulation schemes.