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1-VIA Active Electrical Cable (AEC) products (AEC)

Active Electrical Cable (AEC) Market

Active Electrical Cable (AEC)

As edge, enterprise, and hyperscale data centers increase the deployment of 400G and 800G networks to support the growing demand for cloud computing, instant data streaming, and various emergent applications such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and 5G has mandated the need for faster, lower latency, and lower power solutions. To meet the growing demand for applications such as AI, AI clusters now require more computing nodes which has in turn increased hardware and power consumption. To optimize operational efficiency, new solutions to enhance networking capabilities are required.

Traditionally, applications within data centers have relied on copper cables called direct attach copper (DAC) to establish connections within a rack and between racks. However, as the demand for next generation applications emerge, data centers and operators around the world now require faster signal speeds (>112Gbps per lane) in order to support 800GbE and beyond. As transfer rates rise amongst data center applications, requirements for signal integrity (SI) have now surpassed the proficiencies of DAC cables causing operators around the world to shift towards active cable solutions as a more capable substitute. The transition from traditional DAC cables to an active cable solution such as the active electrical cable (AEC) allows data centers to easily manage their infrastructure.

As a substitute that meets the current requirements for data center applications, AECs provide a good balance between performance, cost, and power consumption in comparison to alternatives.

There are three main types of active cable technologies commonly found in the market. Active optical cables (AOCs) feature digital signal processors (DSPs) at both ends, which convert electrical signals into optical signals. The optical fiber used is flexible and much lighter than a passive copper cable. AOCs are ideal for long-distance applications but come with higher costs and greater power consumption. Active copper cables (ACCs) use copper cables with redrivers at both ends to amplify and equalize signals. While less flexible than AOCs, ACCs offer a more affordable and power-efficient option. Active electrical cables, which incorporate retimers at both ends, strike a balance between performance, cost, and power efficiency.

1-VIA Active Electrical Cable (AEC) diagram

With the continuous evolvement of data center infrastructure, interoperable options for newer hardware with existing hardware has become a highly beneficial feature for hyperscalers. To support the interoperability of hardware, the superior plug-and-play capabilities provided by active cables including AECs has made them a prime candidate for deployment. AECs are deployed within two categories amongst the data center, servers-TOR racks, and leaf-spine-router racks.

1-VIA server diagram

1-VIA’s industry-leading AEC products for complete signal integrity over long distances.

1-VIA’s high-speed and ultra-low-power ICs are designed and augmented to enable next generation connectivity amongst a wide variety of applications. To meet the growing demand for up-and-coming markets including AI, machine learning and 5G, 1-VIA’s AEC optimized products are designed from the ground up to support the deployment of 400G and 800G networks within edge, enterprise, and hyperscale data centers.

 

1-VIA’s AEC products are designed for compatibility, optimized for deployment and support current and most recent switch link innovations in both server-TOR racks and leaf-spine-router racks.

High density QSFP+ connector

1-VIA’s high-speed and ultra-low-power IC’s are designed and augmented to enable next generation connectivity amongst a wide array of applications. To meet the growing demand for up and coming markets including AI, machine learning and 5G, 1-VIA’s AEC optimized products are designed from the ground up to support the deployment of 400G and 800G networks within edge, enterprise, and hyperscale data centers.

1-VIA’s AEC products are designed for compatibility, optimized for deployment and support for current and most recent switch link innovations in both Server-TOR racks and Leaf-Spine-Router racks.

High density QSFP+ connector

1-VIA’s high-speed and ultra-low-power IC’s are designed and augmented to enable next generation connectivity amongst a wide array of applications. To meet the growing demand for up and coming markets including AI, machine learning and 5G, 1-VIA’s AEC optimized products are designed from the ground up to support the deployment of 400G and 800G networks within edge, enterprise, and hyperscale data centers.

1-VIA’s AEC products are designed for compatibility, optimized for deployment and support for current and most recent switch link innovations in both Server-TOR racks and Leaf-Spine-Router racks.

High density QSFP+ connector

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