#United States #Santa Clara #Data Center #Marvell Aquila #Optical Interconnect

Marvell Launches Aquila: The First Coherent-lite DSP

Introduction

On December 10, 2024, Marvell Technology, Inc., a prominent player in the semiconductor solutions market, announced a revolutionary product called Marvell® Aquila. This innovative coherent-lite Digital Signal Processor (DSP) is optimized for 1.6 Tbps coherent optical transceiver modules operating within O-band wavelengths. This launch represents a significant advancement in data center campus connectivity, addressing the growing demand for efficient and high-performance data communication solutions.

The Shift in Data Center Design

The industry is witnessing a transition from traditional large-scale data facilities to campus-based data centers. This shift is primarily driven by space and power limitations. While PAM4 interconnects are still the standard for internal data center connections, and coherent interconnects serve regional connectivity needs, the emerging requirement for interconnects spanning 2 to 20 kilometers highlights the demand for coherent-lite technology. Marvell’s vast experience in both PAM4 and coherent DSPs positions it as a leader in this market evolution.

Aquila Coherent-lite DSP: Features and Benefits

The Aquila DSP provides an innovative solution tailored for high-bandwidth needs within a campus setting. The key highlights of the Aquila DSP include:

• - Optimized for Mid-Distance Connectivity: Designed specifically for mid-distance performance, Aquila delivers an energy-efficient solution for data center interconnects up to 20 km, making it ideal for AI and cloud applications while balancing performance and cost.
• - Future-Proof Scalability: With 1.6 Tbps total bandwidth capacity in a pluggable module form, Aquila ensures that data center infrastructure remains scalable to accommodate the growing demands propelled by advancements in AI.
• - Cost-Effective Operations: The use of O-band wavelengths allows Aquila to provide a reduction in cost-per-link when compared to classical C-band solutions, making it an economically viable option for data centers.
• - Sustainable Performance: The simplified DSP architecture leads to less power consumption and reduced latency, promoting a sustainable approach towards achieving carbon-neutral goals in data centers.

The Market Impact

According to industry experts, the demand for coherent-lite technologies like Aquila is poised to surge, with projections estimating shipments to exceed one million units annually by 2029. This demand is driven by the need for energy-efficient solutions that cater to the rapidly evolving landscape of campus data centers. As Xi Wang, VP of Product Marketing at Marvell, emphasized, “Operators require new infrastructure that is sustainable and capable of scaling to meet the soaring demands for cloud and AI services.”

Collaborative Efforts

Marvell is not working alone in this endeavor. The company collaborates with TeraHop Ltd., whose expertise in coherent modules complements Marvell's advancements in coherent technologies. Their partnership aims to establish a new standard for performance efficiency in campus networks, addressing the unique challenges posed by distributed data centers.

Conclusion

The launch of Marvell’s Aquila marks an important milestone in the development and optimization of data center connectivity technologies. With its blend of performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, Aquila positions itself as a vital component for data center operators seeking to enhance their infrastructure for future generations of data-driven applications. As the landscape of data centers continues to evolve, solutions like Aquila will play a crucial role in meeting the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Availability

The Marvell Aquila coherent-lite DSP is currently available for sample testing with select customers, setting the stage for broader adoption in the data center market.

About Marvell

For over 25 years, Marvell Technology has been at the forefront of developing semiconductor solutions that empower customers in various sectors, including enterprise, automotive, and carrier architectures. Their steadfast commitment to innovation continues to reshape the future of data infrastructure and connectivity.

For more details, visit www.marvell.com.