MACOM Introduces New Linear Equalizer Product Line

LOWELL, Mass., November 2, 2021 – MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. (“MACOM”), a leading supplier of semiconductor products, today announced the release of its new high-performance linear equalizer product line for use in Ethernet, InfiniBand and Fibre Channel high speed data internconnect applications. The new product line supports PAM-4 multi-level signal connectivity and builds upon MACOM’s long-standing expertise in equalizers for broadcast video applications. The product line can support 50 Gbps to 800 Gbps data rate applications. 

“Our customers are excited about this new product line,” said Stephen G. Daly, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Linear equalization may be appropriate in applications where high speed data is transferred between two points, including in cloud computing backplanes, storage hardware and automotive systems.” 

In addition to backplane applications, a linear equalizer can be used by cable manufactures to create an active copper cable to address short distance and high speed connectivity inside the Data Center. Adding linear equalization to a passive copper cable can enable the same copper cable to carry higher data rates for longer distances. MACOM’s new linear equalizer product line can extend a typical copper cable’s performance to 7.5 meters at 56 Gbps and 5 meters at 112 Gbps data rates. Hyperscale cloud and Internet Service Providers may now consider active copper cables as an alternative to passive copper cables or active optical cables.     

MACOM’s linear equalizer product line includes:

  • MAEQ-38902 ­- 56 Gbps per lane, 2-channel equalizer
  • MAEQ-38904 - 56 Gbps per lane, 4-channel equalizer
  • MAEQ-39902 - 112 Gbps per lane, 2-channel equalizer
  • MAEQ-39904 - 112 Gbps per lane, 4-channel equalizer

These products support PAM-4 multilevel and NRZ connectivity. Key benefits include low power consumption from a single 3.3V supply, low latency, hardware and microcontroller management modes. The products are suitable for small SFP, QSFP, QSFP-DD and OSFP connector form factors.

For more information, contact MACOM’s sales for samples, price and delivery information.

About MACOM
MACOM designs and manufactures high-performance semiconductor products for the Telecommunications, Industrial and Defense and Datacenter industries.  MACOM services over 6,000 customers annually with a broad product portfolio that incorporates RF, Microwave, Analog and Mixed Signal and Optical semiconductor technologies. MACOM has achieved certification to the IATF16949 automotive standard, the ISO9001 international quality standard and the ISO14001 environmental management standard.  MACOM operates facilities across the United States, Europe, Asia and is headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts. To learn more, visit www.macom.com.