Avago announces new 40Gbps Ethernet QSFP transceiver for short-range multi-lane communication and interconnect apps

OFC/NFOEC 2010, SAN DIEGO, USA: Avago Technologies has announced a new four-channel pluggable parallel optic QSFP transceiver module for 40 Gigabit Ethernet applications.

This latest addition to Avago’s expanding portfolio of QSFP transceivers is a high performance module, fully compliant to the IEEE 802.3ba 40GBASE SR4 specification.

This transceiver provides a solution for multi-lane data communication and interconnect applications that integrate four independent 10 Gigabit per second (Gbps) data lanes in each direction to provide 40Gbps aggregate bandwidth. In addition to 40Gbps Ethernet interconnects, this transceiver can be used in datacom/telecom switch, and router connections, as well as data aggregation and backplane applications.

With the need for high bandwidth and density in many of today’s data centers and high performance computing applications, the bandwidth limitations, power and size requirements of copper interconnects are reaching their limits and rapidly becoming less effective. As a result, system designers are making the transition to optical interconnects, which have the capability to handle much higher bandwidths for longer reach lengths, while consuming less power to operate, and with improved EMI and flexible cable management than copper interconnect solutions.

Avago’s QSFP transceiver module provides designers with maximum flexibility to support installations of varying cable links or for difficult cable plant installations. This new QSFP transceiver module, which is now available for sampling, incorporates Avago’s proven integrated circuit and VCSEL technology to provide high performance and long life reliability.

With data rates of 10Gbps for up to 100 meters using OM3 fiber, Avago’s QSFP module is designed to operate over multimode fiber systems using a nominal wavelength of 850nm. The electrical interface uses a 38 contact edge type connector while the optical interface uses either an 8 or 12 fiber MTP® (MPO) connector.

Avago’s QSFP transceiver module also provides superior electro-optical performance to enable optimal jitter performance required for high speed computing, server clustering, Infiniband and Ethernet switching and core routers. Additionally, this transceiver is hot pluggable for ease of installation and servicing, and backward compatible with 5 and 2.5Gbps per channel applications.