Semtech Advances 1.6T Multimode Innovation for AI Infrastructure

Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading provider of high-performance semiconductor, Internet of Things (IoT) systems and cloud connectivity service solutions, today announced the sampling of critical physical medium dependent (PMD) building blocks that establish new performance standards for 1.6T multimode optical infrastructure in AI data centers. The FiberEdge GN1878 200G per channel vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) driver and GN1836 200G per channel 250µm pitch transimpedance amplifier (TIA) provide hyperscalers with the chipsets required to architect power-efficient 1.6T optical interconnect solutions for short-reach applications within AI training clusters.

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High-performance 200G/channel PMD solutions enable power-efficient multimode connectivity as hyperscalers scale AI workloads

As AI training clusters scale to support exponentially larger language models, data center operators are exploring diverse architectural approaches to optimize both performance and power efficiency. The industry transition to 200G per channel technology, with volume manufacturing expected to begin in 2026, is creating new opportunities for power-efficient multimode implementations that offer compelling advantages for short-reach distances within data centers.

“The transition to 1.6T transceivers will drive market growth in 2026 and for the rest of this decade,” said Vladimir Kozlov, chief executive officer and chief analyst at LightCounting. “We expect multimode solutions to capture an increasing share of short-reach applications where power efficiency and cost optimization are critical for hyperscale operators scaling their AI infrastructure.”

“We are pleased to collaborate with Semtech on advancing 1.6T multimode innovation. Semtech’s GN1878 driver and GN1836 TIA work seamlessly with Broadcom’s 200G VCSEL and photodetector technology to enable complete 1.6T SR8 optical solutions,” said Manish Mehta, vice president of marketing and operations for the Optical Systems Division at Broadcom. “Together, these components deliver the performance and reliability that hyperscale data centers require for next-generation AI infrastructure.”