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Next-generation active copper technology delivers breakthrough power efficiency and latency optimization for AI/ML infrastructure

SAN FRANCISCO & CAMARILLO, Calif., April 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading provider of high-performance semiconductor, Internet of Things (IoT) systems and cloud connectivity service solutions, today announced availability of its CopperEdge family of active copper cable (ACC) and on-board equalization technology. This portfolio of linear equalizer/redriver solutions—featuring the GN8214, GN8224, and GN8234—transforms data center connectivity for AI/ML data center deployments at a fraction of the power consumption of Digital Signal Processing (DSP)-based Active Electrical Cables (AECs) while achieving significantly longer-reach copper infrastructure than direct attach copper (DAC) cables. As an industry-leading equalizer IC solution for 1.6T ACCs, this breakthrough technology enables unprecedented bandwidth density for AI/ML data centers while reducing interconnect power consumption and maximizing data throughput under strict thermal constraints.

"As AI workloads drive exponential growth in data center bandwidth requirements, the industry faces critical power and thermal challenges," said Brian Bentham, data center market manager at Semtech. "CopperEdge represents a paradigm shift in connectivity, delivering the signal integrity and reach extension needed for next-generation AI clusters while dramatically reducing power consumption and implementation complexity compared to DSP-based options. With our proven production capabilities, Semtech continues to lead the market in delivering high-performance connectivity solutions for today’s most advanced data centers."

Semtech’s comprehensive ecosystem approach brings together multiple cable OEM partners, ensuring robust supply chain resilience and consistent product quality at scale. This established partner network enables rapid adoption of CopperEdge technology across diverse AI/ML deployments while maintaining the rigorous performance and reliability standards demanded by hyperscale data centers.

CopperEdge: Enabling the Future of AI Infrastructure

The CopperEdge portfolio supports both current and emerging connectivity standards, with the GN8214 optimized for 112G/channel PAM4 applications (enabling 800G connectivity), while the GN8224 and GN8234 target next-generation 224G/channel PAM4 deployments (supporting1.6T connectivity).

Breakthrough Technical Innovations

• Ultra-low power: Less than 2W per cable end power consumption—90% lower than DSP-based AECs—enabling denser AI/ML deployments within existing data power envelopes.

• Ultra-low latency: Sub-100ps latency delivers over 100x improvement compared to higher latency DSP-based retimers, critical for distributed AI training.

• Extended reach performance

  • 800G copper cables to 5m.

  • 1.6T copper cables to 3m.

  • Enhanced PCB trace length for both 112G/channel and 224G/channel designs.

• Optimized for AI/ML deployments

  • Reduced cable diameter improves airflow/cooling in dense compute clusters.

  • Seamless compatibility with existing 100G/channel and 200G/channel infrastructure in data centers.

  • Simplified deployment versus DSP-based retimers.