Thirteen Industry Leaders Unite to Define Active Copper Cable Standards

Rhea-AI Summary

Active Copper Cable Multi-Source Agreement (ACC-MSA) launched Feb 23, 2026, unites 13 networking, semiconductor and cabling leaders including AMD, Cisco, NVIDIA, MACOM (co-chair) and Semtech (co-chair).

The consortium will define electrical, firmware and testing specifications for interoperable ACCs focused on integrated linear equalizers to extend copper reach, lower power, cost and latency for short-reach AI and high-performance interconnects.

Positive

• 13 founding members announced on Feb 23, 2026
• MSA specifications to define electrical, firmware and testing requirements for interoperable ACCs
• Technical focus on integrated linear equalizers to extend copper reach and reduce power

Negative

• None.

Key Figures

Consortium members: 13 companies AI hardware spend: $1T Networking spend: $200B

3 metrics

Consortium members 13 companies Number of global leaders forming the ACC-MSA

AI hardware spend $1T Projected AI hardware infrastructure spending by 2029

Networking spend $200B Projected networking infrastructure spending by 2029

Market Reality Check

Price: $245.53 Vol: Volume 794,308 vs 20-day ...

low vol

$245.53 Last Close

Volume Volume 794,308 vs 20-day average 1,367,166, indicating lighter-than-normal trading ahead of this consortium news. low

Technical Shares at $243.59, trading 3.06% below the 52-week high and above the 200-day MA at $154.19, reflecting a strong longer-term uptrend.

Peers on Argus

Momentum scanner shows no peers in active momentum, and same-day peer price move...

Momentum scanner shows no peers in active momentum, and same-day peer price moves are mixed: LSCC +4.11%, QRVO +2.06%, TSEM +3.58%, CRUS +1.75%, RMBS -0.68%. This points to a company-specific backdrop for MTSI rather than a uniform sector rotation.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 05 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 05	Q1 2026 earnings	Positive	+5.9%	Strong revenue growth and forward guidance for Q2 2026.
Jan 26	Leadership promotions	Positive	-0.2%	Promotions of two senior leaders to support strategy and R&D.
Jan 22	Earnings date notice	Neutral	-0.9%	Announcement of date and details for Q1 2026 earnings call.
Jan 12	Board appointment	Positive	+13.0%	Appointment of experienced semiconductor executive to board.
Nov 25	COO promotion	Positive	-0.1%	Promotion of long-time operations leader to COO role.

Pattern Detected

Recent news flow shows strong positive reactions to earnings and strategic leadership changes, while routine corporate updates often see muted or slightly negative moves.

Recent Company History

Over the last few months, MACOM reported strong fiscal Q1 2026 results on Feb 5, 2026, with revenue of $271.6M and a +5.94% next-day move. Board and leadership changes on Jan 12, 2026 and Nov 25, 2025 drew sharply different reactions, from a +12.97% gain to flat trading. Today’s ACC-MSA announcement fits into a pattern of strategic, ecosystem-focused initiatives alongside solid financial performance.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement underscores MACOM’s role in shaping next-generation copper interconnects through t...

Analysis

This announcement underscores MACOM’s role in shaping next-generation copper interconnects through the ACC-MSA alongside 12 other leaders. It highlights a large projected AI and networking spend of $1T and $200B by 2029, framing a sizable end-market. Against a backdrop of strong recent earnings and notable insider selling activity, investors may focus on how standards leadership translates into future design wins and revenue growth.

Key Terms

multi-source agreement, linear equalizers, bit error rate, dsp-based solutions, +1 more

5 terms

multi-source agreement technical

"have joined forces to form the Active Copper Cable Multi-Source Agreement"

A multi-source agreement is a contract in which a buyer or partner secures the same goods, services, or data from two or more independent suppliers under shared terms. For investors it signals lower operational risk and greater negotiating power—like shopping at several stores for the same item so a single outage or price hike won’t cripple supply—while also potentially affecting costs, margins and reliability of deliveries.

linear equalizers technical

"optimized copper interconnect featuring integrated linear equalizers"

Linear equalizers are electronic circuits or algorithms that reshape distorted data signals so they arrive closer to their original form, using a fixed, proportional adjustment rather than complex nonlinear corrections. Think of them like the tone and balance knobs on a stereo that correct muffled music so details come through; for investors they matter because better equalization improves data speed, reduces errors, lowers power or design cost, and can make networking or chip products more competitive in the marketplace.

bit error rate technical

"while maintaining low bit error rate and a pluggable interface"

Bit error rate (BER) measures the fraction of digital bits sent over a communication link that arrive corrupted or flipped by errors. Think of it like sending a long string of yes/no answers and tracking how often the answers are wrong — a lower BER means a more reliable connection, while a higher BER signals signal problems, interference or equipment issues. For investors, BER impacts product quality, customer satisfaction, operating costs and potential need for costly fixes or upgrades in firms that depend on digital transmission.

dsp-based solutions technical

"lower power consumption and latency compared to DSP-based solutions"

DSP-based solutions are products or systems that use digital signal processing — computer algorithms that clean up, transform, or interpret real-world signals like sound, images, radio waves, or sensor data. For investors, these solutions matter because they can improve performance, reduce hardware costs and power use, and open new applications across industries (medical imaging, communications, consumer electronics), offering potential for faster adoption, recurring revenue, or a competitive edge much like software upgrades that make an existing device significantly smarter.

pluggable interface technical

"maintaining low bit error rate and a pluggable interface compatible with existing"

A pluggable interface is a design approach in software or hardware that lets different modules or add-ons connect and be swapped in or out through a common connection, much like changing attachments on a power tool or plugging different appliances into the same outlet. For investors, it matters because it signals flexibility and lower upgrade costs: products can evolve faster, partner ecosystems are easier to build, and the company is less tied to a single supplier—factors that can speed growth and reduce long-term risk.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

The ACC-MSA aims to accelerate interoperability and innovation for next-generation copper interconnect solutions

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thirteen global leaders in networking, semiconductors and cabling have joined forces to form the Active Copper Cable Multi-Source Agreement (ACC-MSA). This consortium is committed to defining specifications that will enable a robust ecosystem of interoperable ACC solutions, addressing one of the industry’s biggest challenges: reducing power, cost and latency while enhancing the performance of high speed copper interconnect.

Co-chaired by MACOM and Semtech, founding members include: AMD, Amphenol, Ciena, Cisco, Dell Technologies, Keysight Technologies, Luxshare Technologies, MACOM Technology Solutions, Molex, Multilane, NVIDIA, Semtech Corporation and TE Connectivity.

The initial focus of the ACC-MSA is on optimized copper interconnect featuring integrated linear equalizers. The MSA specifications will define the electrical, firmware and testing requirements to ensure seamless interoperability across multiple vendors of networking equipment and copper cables.

“Extending the reach of copper cabling is critical for scaling intra-rack connectivity for AI and other high-performance applications,” said Marek Tlaka, Vice President, High Performance Connectivity at MACOM. “Through the integration of linear equalizers within cable connectors, we can significantly increase copper’s reach, reduce cable thickness and deliver lower power consumption and latency compared to DSP-based solutions, while maintaining low bit error rate and a pluggable interface compatible with existing passive copper and optical interconnects.”

“The ACC-MSA is focused on driving innovation and collaboration,” said Scott Schube, Vice President, Applications and Business Development, Signal Integrity Products at Semtech. “By creating a multi-source ecosystem, we aim to improve interconnect economics and speed industry-wide adoption of next-generation copper connectivity.”

“AI hardware infrastructure spending is set to exceed $1T by 2029, with networking infrastructure set to approach $200B in the same timeframe,” commented Alan Weckel, Founder and Technology Analyst, 650 Group. “ACCs are a key enabler of these deployments by providing low power, low cost short-reach interconnect, and we expect them to play a major role in the rapidly expanding networking market going forward.”

About the ACC-MSA
The ACC-MSA is an industry consortium dedicated to defining specifications for linear active copper cables and networking equipment. By enabling interoperability across multiple vendors, the ACC-MSA aims to reduce power, cost and latency while improving performance for high speed copper interconnects. Founding members include leading companies in networking, semiconductors and cabling. Learn more at https://www.acc-msa.org.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
We are disclosing forward-looking information so that investors, potential investors, and other owners can better understand the mentioned Companies’ prospects and make informed investment decisions. The information in this press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Any forward-looking statement made by the Companies speak only as of the date on which it is made. The Companies are under no obligation to, and expressly disclaim any obligation to, update or alter their forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, subsequent events or otherwise.

Contact:
ACC-MSA
contact@acc-msa.org

FAQ

What is the ACC-MSA announced Feb 23, 2026 and which companies including MTSI are involved?

The ACC-MSA is a consortium to standardize active copper cables and interoperability across vendors. According to the company, founding members include AMD, Cisco, NVIDIA, MACOM, Semtech and ten others, totaling 13 companies focused on next-generation copper interconnects.

How will the ACC-MSA specifications affect MTSI-related copper interconnect products and interoperability?

The specifications aim to ensure cross-vendor interoperability for active copper cables. According to the company, the MSA will define electrical, firmware and testing requirements that should enable pluggable, interoperable ACCs across networking equipment and cable vendors.

What technical approach does the ACC-MSA prioritize for improving copper reach and performance?

The ACC-MSA emphasizes integrated linear equalizers inside cable connectors rather than DSP-heavy designs. According to the company, this approach targets longer reach, thinner cables, and lower power and latency for short-reach AI networking.

Does the ACC-MSA announcement disclose commercial contracts, timelines or revenue impact for MTSI?

No commercial contracts, specific timelines or revenue guidance were disclosed in the announcement. According to the company, the focus described is on defining technical specifications and building a multi-source ecosystem, not on reported financial commitments.

Why do backers say ACCs matter for AI infrastructure and market opportunity tied to MTSI?

Backers cite ACCs as enablers of low-power, low-cost short-reach interconnect for AI deployments. According to the company, industry analysts project AI hardware and networking infrastructure growth, positioning ACCs as a key connectivity option for expanding data center needs.