Semtech Unveils High-Performance TIAs to Power AI Data Centers and Drive 1.6T Infrastructure Growth
Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading provider of high-performance semiconductor, Internet of Things (IoT) systems, and cloud connectivity solutions, has announced the launch of two new FiberEdge® transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs) designed to address the escalating power efficiency challenges in AI-driven data center scaling. These innovations expand Semtech’s industry-leading signal integrity portfolio, enhancing power efficiency for both emerging 1.6T optical interconnects and optimized 800G infrastructure.
As artificial intelligence (AI) workloads fuel exponential growth in data center bandwidth requirements, power consumption has emerged as a critical bottleneck in scaling infrastructure. Semtech’s latest FiberEdge TIAs directly tackle this challenge. The GN1834D is tailored to support the burgeoning 1.6T optical interconnect market, while the GN1818 delivers up to 20% power reduction, extending the efficiency and lifespan of existing 800G deployments.
Addressing the AI-Driven Bandwidth Surge
The rapid expansion of AI capabilities has driven unprecedented demand for higher optical interconnect speeds, with current standards at 100G per lane quickly evolving to 200G per lane over the next year. According to Scott Wilkinson, lead analyst for optical components at Cignal AI, “The explosive growth in data centers supporting AI is driving demand for the highest optical interconnect speeds available. As operators transition to 1.6T optics, the high-speed datacom transceiver market will expand from about $9 billion in 2024 to more than $17 billion by 2026.”
This transition underscores the urgent need for advanced solutions that balance performance with stringent power budgets. Amit Thakar, vice president of signal integrity product marketing at Semtech, emphasized the importance of this inflection point: “The 1.6T era is upon us, with deployments beginning across hyperscale infrastructure. Our expanded 200G TIA portfolio provides the performance, power efficiency, and design flexibility module designers need to deliver tomorrow’s innovative optical interconnect solutions today. Unlike fragmented point solutions entering the market, Semtech’s comprehensive approach enables customers to standardize on proven TIA technology across their entire roadmap, scaling from 800G through 1.6T and beyond.”
GN1834D: Enabling the 1.6T Revolution
The GN1834D is a groundbreaking addition to Semtech’s portfolio, empowering the emerging 1.6T optical interconnect market with advanced 200G per channel performance. Leveraging innovative 2.5D mounting technology, the GN1834D serves as a key component in 8x200G optical modules, delivering 1.6T throughput for next-generation AI cluster connectivity.
This hybrid assembly approach combines flip chip mounting at the photodetector-to-TIA interface with wire bond outputs, minimizing parasitic effects and ensuring superior signal integrity. By providing the analog performance foundation that hyperscale operators require, the GN1834D addresses the growing demand for high-speed, low-latency interconnects in AI-driven environments.
GN1818: Power Optimization for 800G Deployments
While the industry transitions to 1.6T infrastructure, many operators are still scaling their 800G deployments. The GN1818 offers strategic power optimization for these existing investments, achieving up to 20% power reduction compared to alternative solutions without compromising performance. This innovation extends the value of current 800G infrastructure while preparing operators for future 1.6T migrations.
Key advantages of the GN1818 include:
- Up to 20% power reduction: Low-power innovation while maintaining high-performance standards.
- Proven heritage: Built on Semtech’s established, reliable TIA design principles.
- Compact 250μm pitch: Maximizes port density for space-constrained optical modules.
- Performance without compromise: Ensures signal integrity and low latency for AI applications.
By balancing power efficiency with robust performance, the GN1818 ensures that operators can optimize their existing infrastructure while planning for future scalability.
Comprehensive Portfolio for Market Leadership
Semtech’s competitive edge lies in its comprehensive portfolio of TIAs, enabling customers to standardize across diverse connectivity requirements. The company’s 200G per channel portfolio provides unparalleled design flexibility for next-generation optical modules, including:
- GN1834D: Linear TIA with 2.5D mounting, 750μm pitch.
- GN1832: Linear Flip Chip TIA, 500μm pitch.
- GN1834: Linear Flip Chip TIA, 750μm pitch.
- GN1836: Linear TIA, 250μm pitch.
This breadth of offerings allows module manufacturers to optimize designs for specific applications while maintaining supply chain efficiency through single-supplier standardization. By addressing the needs of both 800G and 1.6T markets, Semtech positions itself as a trusted partner for hyperscale AI deployments.
Availability and Future Demonstrations
Both the GN1834D and GN1818 are now available for sampling. Semtech will showcase these innovations alongside its broader optical solutions portfolio at CIOE 2025 in Shenzhen, China, at Booth #11C52. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore how Semtech’s power-efficient and high-performance solutions are driving the next generation of AI infrastructure scaling.
A Commitment to Innovation and Scalability
Semtech’s latest FiberEdge TIAs reflect the company’s commitment to addressing the evolving demands of AI-driven data centers. By combining cutting-edge performance with energy-efficient design, Semtech empowers operators to meet the challenges of hyperscale infrastructure while preparing for future advancements. As the industry moves toward 1.6T and beyond, Semtech’s comprehensive portfolio ensures that customers can scale confidently, leveraging proven technology to achieve optimal results.
To learn more about Semtech’s high-performance optical, analog, and mixed-signal IC signal integrity solutions, visit www.semtech.com/optical.
About Semtech
Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC) is a leading provider of high-performance semiconductor, IoT systems and cloud connectivity service solutions dedicated to delivering high-quality technology solutions that enable a smarter, more connected and sustainable planet. Our global teams are committed to empowering solution architects and application developers to develop breakthrough products for the infrastructure, industrial and consumer markets. To learn more about Semtech technology, visit us at Semtech.com or follow us on LinkedIn or X.