Amphenol Communications Solutions and Semtech Introduce 1.6T Active Copper Cable

Amphenol Communications Services (ACS) and Semtech Corporation 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-gen AI/ML and data center infrastructure.

The explosion of data center 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. ACS’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 center 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, 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, product marketing, high-speed I/O cables, Amphenol Communications Services. “The 1.6T ACC is a key addition to our industry-leading interconnect portfolio for leading-edge data center customers interested in high-performance, low power solutions.”

“The combination of Amphenol Communications Services’ world-class cable technology and manufacturing scale with Semtech’s advanced semiconductor capability creates a powerful customer offering,” added Brian Bentham, data center market manager, Semtech. “Together, we are delivering technology that is helping deliver the reliable, high-bandwidth, low-power connectivity enabling next-generation AI/ML infrastructure.”

The 1.6T OSFP Active Copper Cable is available from Amphenol Communications Services.