PMC-Sierra Demonstrates 40 Gbps SoC Solution for Coherent Optical Networks

Internet infrastructure semiconductor solutions provider PMC-Sierra (News - Alert), Inc. has released industry’s most advanced 40 Gbps system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution for coherent optical networking. The PM6373 POLO 40G’s innovative technology enables volume deployments of 40Gbps coherent networks for metro, regional and longhaul network build outs, said the supplier.

According to PMC-Sierra, this advanced SoC architecture doubles line card density and reduces power consumption by more than 50 percent when compared to 40G non-coherent network deployments. Implemented in 40 nm CMOS, the PM6373 POLO 40G will sample later this year to select customers. The SoC chip is packaged in a 480-pin 23 mm x 23 mm FCBGA package.

“Carriers are choosing coherent deployments because it is the most effective technology to increase fiber transmission rates and build all-optical networks,” said Andrew Schmitt, directing analyst of Optical at Infonetics Research (News - Alert), in a statement. “Coherent technology is one of the fundamental technologies of what I call the Optical Reboot: the optical network architecture transformation that will take place this decade.”

By deploying 40 Gbps bandwidth using existing fiber plant, the POLO 40G allows carriers to address the enormous growth in video and mobile data traffic and enables them to reduce capital and operating expenses, said PMC-Sierra. To deliver improved optical performance by more than 2 dB for an additional 25 percent fiber reach extension, which dramatically lowers the cost of transmission, the SoC chip uses unique combination of high-performance mixed-signal circuits, digital signal processing (DSP), analog-to-digital converter (ADC (News - Alert)), OTN framing and Swizzle Forward Error Correction (FEC) SoC architecture to digitally compensates for optical impairments.

Similarly, in another statement, Daryn Lau, vice president and general manager of PMC-Sierra’s Communication Products Division commented, “With the explosion of bandwidth demand driving the need to upgrade existing metro, regional and longhaul fiber infrastructures to 40 Gbps and beyond, POLO 40G will be a key enabler to make the optical build out a reality.”  

He added, “PMC-Sierra has significant experience in delivering innovative products to enable evolving Carrier network requirements. Our POLO 40G is uniquely positioned to provide the combination of bandwidth per unit, power and cost when compared to existing multi-slot coherent solutions even in cost-sensitive Carrier Ethernet service point-to-point and metro deployments.”

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