4 x 25 Gb/s active copper cables for 100Gb/s networks demonstrated
The demonstration featured Gennum’s GN2425 and GN2426 module clock and data recovery (CDR) integrated circuits communicating over a 6-meter copper cable operating at 25-28 Gb/s. The link was comprised of host board traces, module board traces, a Molex zQSFP+ interconnect system and a 6-meter 26 AWG copper cable. The cable alone had approximately 20 dB of loss at the Nyquist data rate. Using CDRs to transmit and receive the signal at either end of the cable, the link was able to operate at a bit-error-rate (BER) of less than 1E-15.
As global Internet traffic is expected to multiply over the coming years, significantly more bandwidth will be required, driving the need for large-scale network upgrades. Gennum’s GN2425 and GN2426 are designed to support 25-28 Gb/s data streams for next-generation 100 Gb/s fiber-optic modules, line cards and direct-attach copper cables using emerging module form factors such as 28G-QSFP+ and CFP2. They provide exceptional jitter performance with low power consumption.
By resetting the jitter budgets within the link in both the transmit and receive directions, the CDRs enable robust operation for new systems such as 4x25G active copper cables, active optical cables and pluggable optical modules.
"Active cables offer several benefits for system designers," said Ed Frlan, Senior System Architect in Gennum’s Mixed Signal & Optical Products Division. "They offer optimal reach and power while simplifying the design of the high-speed serial link between the host ASIC and the cable connector."
For further information: www.gennum.com.
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