Broadcom Announces Industry's First 40/50/100GbE PAM-4 Physical Layer Device

IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a global innovation leader in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications, today announced the industry's first high speed 4-level Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM-4) Physical Layer transceivers (PHYs). The new PAM-4 PHYs enable transmission rates of 40/50 gigabits per second (Gbps) serially over multiple physical media, including direct attach cables (DAC) and optical fiber. For more news, visit Broadcom's Newsroom.

To support the rapid rise in video and data traffic, there is growing demand for higher speed and more bandwidth over currently deployed infrastructure. As a result, system OEMs are looking at ways to optimize 40/100GbE connectivity. Based on PAM-4 technology, Broadcom's BCM82040 and BCM82004 devices are the first in a line of 40/50/100GbE devices optimized to meet these requirements.

"Our new PAM-4 PHYs provide the ideal solution for OEMs and data center operators looking for cost and performance optimization," said Lorenzo Longo, Broadcom Vice President and General Manager, Physical Layer Products. "This latest addition to our product line-up demonstrates our commitment to pioneering new technology developments such as PAM-4 and further solidifies our position as the industry leader in wired physical layer devices."

The 28 nanometer (nm) BCM82040 and BCM82004 PHYs support higher data throughput over existing low bandwidth channels by transmitting more bits per symbol. PAM-4 enables the transmission of 40 Gbps at a baud rate of 20Gbaud, resulting in improved signal integrity while re-using existing channels for higher data throughput and enabling the use of lower cost cables and optics. The PAM4-line code in the new PHYs require half the bandwidth of Non-Return-to-Zero (NRZ) line code, resulting in higher throughput and lower total system cost and power consumption.

Both devices are designed to transmit and receive 40/50G data over two pairs of media versus eight pairs of media using existing 4x10G quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP) cables. For 40G optical applications, the BCM82040 reduces the number of optical components and optical fibers required by a factor of four, eliminating expensive components and further reducing cost and power.

Key Features:

• Single 40/50GbE PHY drives 40/50G serial over various media
• Supports a variety of DAC reaches from multiple suppliers
• Enables SMF/MMF optics and silicon photonics
• Low-power 28 nm CMOS design
• Small 7x7mm package fits within QSFP+ form factor, cable assembly and optics modules

Availability

Broadcom's PAM-4 PHYs come in two device options. The BCM82040 is optimized for transmitting 40/50 Gbps over optical fiber and the BCM82004 is optimized for transmitting 40/50 Gbps over direct attach cable (DAC). Both devices are now sampling.

About Broadcom

Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ: BRCM), a FORTUNE 500® company, is a global leader and innovator in semiconductor solutions for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom® products seamlessly deliver voice, video, data and multimedia connectivity in the home, office and mobile environments. With the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art system-on-a-chip solutions, Broadcom is changing the world by connecting everything®. For more information, go to www.broadcom.com.

Broadcom®, the pulse logo, Connecting everything^® and the Connecting everything logo are among the trademarks of Broadcom Corporation and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU.  Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Contacts

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SOURCE Broadcom Corporation; BRCM Infrastructure

Related Links

http://www.broadcom.com