MACOM (NASDAQ:MTSI) introduced the industry’s first PCIe 7.0–optimized linear equalizers, the MAEQ-39964 and MAEQ-39966, supporting 128 GT/s operation and extending passive copper cable reach while preserving protocol transparency.
Devices support PCIe 7.0, PCIe 6.0 and CXL, come in a 91-pin BGA, and are shown at OFC 2026, March 17–19.
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News Market Reaction – MTSI
-2.97%
1 alert
-2.97%News Effect
-$516MValuation Impact
$16.86BMarket Cap
0.0xRel. Volume
On the day this news was published, MTSI declined 2.97%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.
This price movement removed approximately $516M from the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $16.86B at that time.
Data rate:128 GT/sSupported protocols:PCIe 7.0, PCIe 6.0, CXLChannels per device:4 channels+5 more
8 metrics
Data rate128 GT/sPCIe 7.0-optimized linear equalizers
Supported protocolsPCIe 7.0, PCIe 6.0, CXLNext-generation copper interconnect support
Channels per device4 channelsMAEQ-39964 and MAEQ-39966 linear equalizers
Data rate range2.5 NRZ to 128 Gbps PAM4Supported data rates for both equalizers
Switching configuration2×2 switchingIntegrated in MAEQ-39966 for system/server use
Package91-pin BGAPackage type for new PCIe 7.0 equalizers
OFC 2026 datesMarch 17–19, 2026Demonstration of new solutions at OFC in Los Angeles
Announcement dateMarch 12, 2026Launch of PCIe 7.0 linear equalizers
Market Reality Check
Price:$217.80Vol:Volume 713,549 vs 20-day ...
low vol
$217.80Last Close
VolumeVolume 713,549 vs 20-day avg 1,223,376, about 0.58x typical trading activity.low
TechnicalPrice $222.55, trading above 200-day MA at $161.75 and 14.07% below 52-week high.
Peers on Argus
Scanner shows no peers in active momentum. Among high‑affinity peers, RMBS and T...
Scanner shows no peers in active momentum. Among high‑affinity peers, RMBS and TSEM are up (3.56%, 2.27%), QRVO and CRUS are modestly positive, while LSCC is slightly negative, suggesting a mixed sector backdrop and a stock‑specific catalyst for MTSI.
Schedules Q1 2026 results call and webcast details.
Pattern Detected
Recent MACOM announcements, especially earnings and connectivity initiatives, have generally seen positive price follow‑through.
Recent Company History
Over the last several months, MACOM has combined strategic product and ecosystem moves with solid fundamentals. Fiscal Q1 2026 earnings on Feb 5 showed revenue of $271.6M and drove a 5.94% gain, while consortium participation on Feb 23 and the OFC 2026 showcase news on Mar 11 both saw positive reactions. Today’s PCIe 7.0 linear equalizers extend that connectivity roadmap, reinforcing earlier disclosures about PCIe 6.0/7.0 interconnects and advanced copper solutions.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement highlights MACOM’s push into PCIe 7.0 with linear equalizers optimized for 128 GT/...
Analysis
This announcement highlights MACOM’s push into PCIe 7.0 with linear equalizers optimized for 128 GT/s and support for PCIe 6.0 and CXL, extending its copper interconnect roadmap. Recent history shows complementary moves, including OFC 2026 demonstrations and solid Q1 2026 financial results. Investors may watch for design wins, adoption in data center and server applications, and follow-on product variants to gauge the commercial impact of this launch.
Key Terms
pcie 7.0, linear equalizer, cross-point switch, cxl, +3 more
7 terms
pcie 7.0technical
"industry’s first PCIe® 7.0–optimized linear equalizer and cross-point switch devices"
PCIe 7.0 is the latest generation of the PCI Express standard, the high-speed electrical interface that lets core computer parts—processors, graphics cards, storage drives and network cards—move large amounts of data between each other. It matters to investors because each new PCIe version enables faster, more efficient servers and devices, spurs demand for upgraded chips and hardware, and can influence sales cycles, margins and competitive positions in semiconductors and data-center equipment; think of it as widening a digital highway to allow much higher traffic flow.
linear equalizertechnical
"PCIe® 7.0–optimized linear equalizer and cross-point switch devices"
A linear equalizer is an electronic or software filter that adjusts the balance of signal frequencies so outputs match inputs more accurately, reducing distortion introduced by transmission or processing. Think of it as a set of tuned knobs that smooth out a bumpy audio or data path so the received signal is closer to the original. Investors care because it affects product performance, reliability and cost of goods for companies that make communication, audio, or measurement equipment, which can influence sales and competitive position.
cross-point switchtechnical
"PCIe® 7.0–optimized linear equalizer and cross-point switch devices"
A cross-point switch is an electronic component that connects any of several input channels to any of several output channels, functioning like a programmable traffic intersection that directs signal paths where needed. For investors, its importance lies in how it affects a product’s capacity, speed, reliability and cost — key factors for companies selling networking, telecom or data-center equipment because better switching can enable higher performance, lower operating expenses and greater market competitiveness.
cxltechnical
"support next-generation protocols including PCIe 7.0, PCIe 6.0 and CXL®"
An abbreviation for “cancel” or “canceled,” used in brief notices to indicate that an event, order, meeting, dividend, or other planned action will no longer take place. Investors care because cancellations can change expected cash flows, timing of corporate actions, trading volume or regulatory filings—similar to someone calling off a planned event, which can alter plans and prompt reassessment of value or risk.
pam4technical
"supporting 2.5 NRZ to 128 Gbps PAM4 data rates and designed for Active Copper"
PAM4 is a digital signaling method that sends information by using four distinct voltage or light levels instead of the usual two, letting each transmitted symbol carry two bits of data. Think of it like a radio knob with four clear positions instead of just on/off; it boosts transmission speed without needing extra wires or spectrum but is harder to read reliably, so it matters to investors because it drives demand for higher-performance chips, better cables and optics, and can affect product costs, margins and upgrade cycles in networking and data-center markets.
active copper cablestechnical
"designed for Active Copper Cables (ACCs)"
Active copper cables are short-range network cables that include built-in electronic components to boost and clean up data signals over copper wiring, allowing faster or longer connections than passive cables alone. Investors care because these cables are a recurring hardware purchase for data centers, telecoms and cloud providers; shifts in demand, price, or technology standards can affect equipment makers’ sales, margins and customers’ upgrade costs much like choosing a basic cord versus one with a signal amplifier.
bga packagetechnical
"These new PCIe 7.0 equalizer solutions are available in a 91-pin BGA package."
A BGA package is a bundled set of equipment, test cartridges and supplies used to perform blood gas analysis — the bedside tests that measure oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH and key electrolytes in a blood sample. Investors should care because these packages drive steady, repeatable revenue for medical-device suppliers and hospitals, much like razor blades for a razor: the machines are one-time buys but the consumable tests are ongoing sales and sensitive to regulatory and purchasing cycles.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
New MAEQ-39964 and MAEQ-39966 equalizers double passive copper cable reach
LOWELL, Mass., March 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. (“MACOM”), a leading supplier of semiconductor products for high performance connectivity, today announced the industry’s first PCIe® 7.0–optimized linear equalizer and cross-point switch devices, extending MACOM’s comprehensive portfolio across both optical and copper interconnects. The new MAEQ-39964 and MAEQ-39966 devices are optimized for 128 GT/s operation and support next-generation protocols including PCIe 7.0, PCIe 6.0 and CXL®, enabling longer reach and higher performance for copper-based interconnects.
Designed to meet the demanding signal integrity performance requirements of emerging PCIe 7.0 systems, MACOM’s latest equalizers extend the reach of passive copper cables while maintaining full protocol transparency. They are well-suited for applications such as data centers, high performance test and measurement equipment, server and storage systems.
“As PCIe 7.0 drives higher signaling speeds, maintaining signal integrity over copper cabling and system boards becomes increasingly challenging,” said Stephen G. Daly, President and Chief Executive Officer, MACOM. “Our new equalizers provide our customers a clear, scalable path to PCIe 7.0 while maximizing the reach and value of existing copper infrastructure.”
The MAEQ-39964 is a four-channel linear equalizer supporting 2.5 NRZ to 128 Gbps PAM4 data rates and designed for Active Copper Cables (ACCs).
The MAEQ-39966 is a four-channel linear equalizer supporting 2.5 NRZ to 128 Gbps PAM4 data rates with integrated 2×2 switching for system and server applications.
These new PCIe 7.0 equalizer solutions are available in a 91-pin BGA package. They are on display in MACOM’s Booth #1227 at OFC 2026 from March 17 to 19, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. For more information, please visit www.macom.com.
About MACOM MACOM designs and manufactures semiconductor products for telecommunications, industrial and defense and data center applications. Headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts, MACOM has design centers and sales offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia. MACOM is certified to the ISO9001 international quality standard and ISO14001 environmental management standard.
Company Contact: MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. Stephen Ferranti Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations P: 978-656-2977 E: stephen.ferranti@macom.com
FAQ
What did MACOM (MTSI) announce on March 12, 2026 about PCIe 7.0 equalizers?
MACOM announced two PCIe 7.0–optimized linear equalizers, the MAEQ-39964 and MAEQ-39966. According to the company, both support up to 128 GT/s and are designed to extend the reach of passive copper cables while maintaining full protocol transparency.
How do the MAEQ-39964 and MAEQ-39966 from MACOM (MTSI) improve copper interconnect reach?
They extend passive copper cable reach for higher signaling speeds by providing linear equalization optimized for 128 GT/s. According to the company, this preserves protocol transparency for PCIe 7.0, PCIe 6.0 and CXL while improving signal integrity over copper.
What are the technical differences between MACOM's MAEQ-39964 and MAEQ-39966 (MTSI)?
The MAEQ-39964 is a four-channel linear equalizer for Active Copper Cables; the MAEQ-39966 adds integrated 2×2 switching. According to the company, both support 2.5 NRZ to 128 Gbps PAM4 data rates and are targeted at servers and test equipment.
When and where will MACOM (MTSI) display the new PCIe 7.0 equalizers?
MACOM will display the MAEQ-39964 and MAEQ-39966 at OFC 2026 in Los Angeles from March 17 to 19, 2026. According to the company, booth #1227 will feature the devices and technical details for visitors.
Which applications are targeted by MACOM's new MAEQ-39964 and MAEQ-39966 equalizers (MTSI)?
The devices target data centers, server and storage systems, and high-performance test and measurement equipment. According to the company, they are designed to meet PCIe 7.0 signal-integrity requirements for copper-based interconnects.
What packaging and protocol support do MACOM's PCIe 7.0 equalizers (MTSI) provide?
Both equalizers are available in a 91-pin BGA package and support PCIe 7.0, PCIe 6.0 and CXL protocols. According to the company, they are protocol-transparent and support up to 128 GT/s operation for PAM4 data rates.
