MACOM Supports PCIe and CXL Connectivity Over Optical Fiber with High Performance Chipset

Rhea-AI Summary

MACOM Technology Solutions (NASDAQ:MTSI) has unveiled a groundbreaking chipset designed to extend PCIe and CXL connectivity over optical fiber. The solution consists of the MATA-38794 transimpedance amplifier and MALD-38795 VCSEL driver, enabling PCIe extension up to 100 meters over multimode fiber.

The chipset supports eight PCIe 6.0 lanes at 64 Gbps PAM4 while consolidating sideband signaling into a single fiber pair, reducing cost and complexity. This technology advancement is crucial for disaggregated computing infrastructure, offering improved latency, lower power consumption, and flexible scaling capabilities.

Positive

• Extends PCIe connectivity up to 100 meters over fiber, significantly expanding data center capabilities
• Supports high-speed PCIe 6.0 with 64 Gbps PAM4 across eight lanes
• Reduces cost and complexity by consolidating sideband signaling into a single fiber pair
• Enables lower latency and power consumption in disaggregated computing environments

Negative

• None.

Insights

Semiconductor Industry Analyst

MACOM's new chipset for extending PCIe/CXL over fiber addresses critical data center needs, positioning it well in high-growth disaggregated computing markets.

MACOM's new MATA-38794 TIA and MALD-38795 VCSEL driver chipset represents a significant technical advancement in the PCIe connectivity space. By enabling PCIe 6.0 and CXL connectivity over optical fiber up to 100 meters, MACOM is addressing a critical bottleneck in modern data center architectures.

The technical specifications are impressive - supporting eight PCIe 6.0 lanes at 64 Gbps PAM4 while cleverly consolidating sideband signaling into a single fiber pair. This design approach substantially reduces the cost and complexity of optical transceivers and cabling infrastructure, which typically represents a significant portion of data center capital expenditures.

What makes this product strategically important is its position in the disaggregated computing ecosystem. Traditional server architectures bundle components together, while disaggregated computing physically separates resources (CPUs, GPUs, memory) and connects them via high-speed interconnects. This architecture allows for more efficient resource utilization and scaling.

By enabling transparent PCIe extension across meaningful distances, MACOM is positioning itself in a high-growth segment of the semiconductor market. Data centers increasingly need the flexibility to position compute resources optimally for thermal management, power delivery, and resource allocation – all of which benefit from optical PCIe extension.

The chipset's sampling availability suggests MACOM is moving quickly to capitalize on market demand, with the strategic trade show demonstrations at CIOE and ECOC indicating the company sees significant commercial potential in both Asian and European markets for this technology.

LOWELL, Mass., Sept. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. (“MACOM”), a leading supplier of semiconductor products, today announced the availability of a new chipset to overcome the distance limitations of traditional PCI Express (PCIe) and Compute Express Link (CXL) connectivity by enabling high speed, low latency communication over optical fiber. Designed to maintain signal integrity and reduce latency, the chipset consists of the MATA-38794 transimpedance amplifier (TIA) and the MALD-38795 VCSEL driver. By consolidating sideband signaling into a single fiber pair, MACOM’s solution reduces the cost and complexity of optical transceivers and cabling.

As data centers and high-performance computing environments demand increasing bandwidth and reach, MACOM’s chipset enables PCIe extension up to 100 meters over multimode fiber. The chipset supports eight PCIe 6.0 lanes at 64 Gbps PAM4, while also transporting critical sideband signals including clock, reset, wake and communication channels like USB and Ethernet over an additional fiber. This ensures full PCIe bus transparency across extended distances.

PCIe is a key enabler for disaggregated computing, providing high bandwidth connections between components like GPU to GPU and CPUs to memory. Unlike traditional server architectures that rely on bundled hardware and layered network protocols, disaggregated computing uses photonic interconnects to link resources directly. This reduces latency, lowers power consumption and allows flexible scaling and can provide a faster, more efficient computing model.

“Extending PCIe over fiber is essential for next generation disaggregated computing infrastructure,” said Stephen G. Daly, President and Chief Executive Officer, MACOM. “The MATA-38794 and MALD-38795, enable scalable, transparent PCIe connectivity that meets the demands of modern computing environments.”

MACOM will demonstrate its new PCIe 6.0 solution at CIOE 2025 in Stand 11D31 from September 10 to 12, 2025 in Shenzhen, China as well as at ECOC 2025 in Booth C3419 from September 29 to October 1, 2025, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Samples are available now for the MATA-38794 TIA and MALD-38795 VCSEL Driver. For more information, visit www.macom.com.

About MACOM
MACOM designs and manufactures high-performance semiconductor products for the Telecommunications, Industrial and Defense, and Data Center industries. MACOM services over 6,000 customers annually with a broad product portfolio that incorporates RF, Microwave, Analog and Mixed Signal and Optical semiconductor technologies. MACOM has achieved certification to the IATF16949 automotive standard, the AS9100D aerospace standard, the ISO9001 international quality standard and the ISO14001 environmental management standard. MACOM operates facilities across the United States, Europe, Asia and is headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts. To learn more, visit www.macom.com.

Company Contact:
MACOM Technology Solutions Inc.
Stephen Ferranti
Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations
P: 978-656-2977
E: stephen.ferranti@macom.com

FAQ

What is MACOM's new PCIe 6.0 chipset and what does it do?

MACOM's new chipset, consisting of the MATA-38794 TIA and MALD-38795 VCSEL driver, enables PCIe and CXL connectivity over optical fiber, extending reach up to 100 meters while maintaining high speed and low latency.

What are the key benefits of MACOM's new PCIe fiber connectivity solution?

The solution enables extended distance connectivity up to 100 meters, supports eight PCIe 6.0 lanes at 64 Gbps PAM4, reduces cost and complexity through consolidated sideband signaling, and provides lower latency and power consumption.

When will MACOM's new PCIe 6.0 chipset be available?

Samples of the MATA-38794 TIA and MALD-38795 VCSEL Driver are available now. The technology will be demonstrated at CIOE 2025 in Shenzhen and ECOC 2025 in Copenhagen.

How does MACOM's optical PCIe solution benefit data centers?

The solution enables disaggregated computing with direct photonic interconnects between components, offering improved latency, lower power consumption, and flexible scaling compared to traditional server architectures.

What technical specifications does MACOM's new PCIe chipset support?

The chipset supports eight PCIe 6.0 lanes at 64 Gbps PAM4 and transports sideband signals including clock, reset, wake, USB, and Ethernet over an additional fiber, ensuring full PCIe bus transparency.