Inphi Announces Sampling of Alcor™ 100G PAM4 DSP Platform for Hyperscale Data Center Networks

SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec. 07, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inphi Corporation (NASDAQ: IPHI), a leader in high-speed data movement interconnects, today announced its new Alcor™ PAM4 DSP platform to accelerate the industry’s transition from 25G to 100G per wavelength. Based on Inphi’s market-leading Porrima™ PAM4 DSP platform, the new Alcor platform includes Inphi’s field proven PAM4 DSP technology, Linear TIA and Driver to provide even higher levels of integration and lower power for high-performance hyperscale data center, cloud computing and emerging AI applications.
Inphi continues to be the driving force to define and create a PAM4 ecosystem of optical module suppliers. Building on its already established industry leading PAM4 DSP portfolio, the new Alcor platform offers an enhanced feature set with integrated 56Gbaud laser drivers that enable less than 3.5W QSFP28, DSFP and SFP-DD optical modules. The new PAM4 DSP also offers integrated driver options to address a broad range of implementations for optical interconnects.The foundation of Inphi’s Alcor platform is a highly configurable DSP engine that is field proven and qualified in multiple hyperscale data center networks. The DSP is optimized to enable optical interconnect solutions for distances between 500 meters to 2km, while keeping an extremely low power profile. Alcor’s enhanced feature set also provides optical network operators with advanced telemetry features for networking diagnostics and anomaly detection. Moreover, the integrated high-performance linear drivers eliminate the need for standalone components, thereby reducing system cost, complexity and time to market.“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.”Alcor 100G PAM4 DSP Key Features:Low power consumption enables less than 3.5W 100G, 2x50G or 4x25G optical modulesIntegrated 56Gbaud laser drivers with direct-drive capability reduces module BOM costIntegrated oscillator minimizes BOM costAdvanced telemetry and diagnostics improve link performance and health monitoringSeamless firmware transition with compatible API software suite accelerates time to market
IN566x Linear TIA:
The IN5661TA is a 56GBaud low-power single/quad linear TIA for PAM4 optical modules used in data centers. Key features include:Wide dynamic range to meet varying performance and link requirements for optical applicationsAdjustable gain to optimize PAM4 system performanceExcellent signal integrity necessary for PAM4 modulation schemesLow power and small form factor designVisit Us at ECOC’s Virtual Brussels Event
Inphi will be participating in ECOC’s virtual exhibition this year and will showcase a demonstration of its new Silicon Photonics platform with Cloud Light’s optical module. The ECOC virtual event is taking place December 7-9, 2020. Please visit Inphi’s virtual booth to see a video of this demonstration: https://www.ecocexhibition.com.About Inphi
Inphi Corporation is a leader in high-speed data movement interconnects. We move big data – fast, throughout the globe, between data centers, and inside data centers.  Inphi’s expertise in signal integrity results in reliable data delivery, at high speeds, over a variety of distances. As data volumes ramp exponentially due to video streaming, social media, cloud-based services, and wireless infrastructure, the need for speed has never been greater. That’s where we come in. Customers rely on Inphi’s solutions to develop and build out the Service Provider and Cloud infrastructures, and data centers of tomorrow. To learn more about Inphi, visit www.inphi.com.Inphi, the Inphi logo and Think fast are registered trademarks of Inphi Corporation. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.Corporate Contact:
Kim Markle
Inphi Corporation
kmarkle@inphi.com