DSPs For Next-Generation AI Infrastructure

The 200G chips use less power and help AI systems connect, making it easier to grow and manage large AI networks.

Broadcom Inc. has introduced two new additions to its 200G/lane DSP PHY lineup—Sian3 and Sian2M—to meet the growing connectivity demands of AI and machine learning clusters. These chips are designed to improve power efficiency in both single-mode fiber (SMF) and multi-mode fiber (MMF) links used in 800G and 1.6T optical transceivers.

As AI workloads grow, there’s a rising need for more bandwidth and dense interconnects. Optical link power consumption has become a key constraint in scaling AI clusters. Broadcom’s new DSPs, combined with its 200G/lane laser portfolio, aim to reduce power and cost in next-gen AI infrastructure.

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Sian3 is a 3nm 200G/lane PAM4 DSP PHY that offers the industry’s lowest power consumption for SMF-based 800G and 1.6T modules. It improves on Broadcom’s previous Sian2 design by reducing power use by over 20% for EML and SiP-based modules.

Sian2M is tailored for short-reach MMF links in AI clusters. It includes an integrated VCSEL driver and builds on Broadcom’s 200G VCSEL technology, supporting better performance and efficiency in short-reach optical modules. Broadcom has already deployed more than 50 million channels of 100G VCSELs in AI networks.

“Broadcom’s Sian family of DSP PHYs is foundational to the low-power, high-bandwidth optical connectivity needed for AI/ML clusters,” said Vijay Janapaty, vice president and general manager of the Physical Layer Products Division at Broadcom. “Our new 3nm Sian3 delivers over 20% power reduction for 1.6T optical modules, while Sian2M with integrated VCSEL drivers and 200G VCSELs brings cost and power efficiency to short-reach links. These innovations enable our customers to scale AI clusters to meet the demands of growing AI workloads.”

“According to our recent report Markets for PAM4 and Coherent DSPs, AI-infrastructure build outs are driving massive growth in PAM4 DSP shipments,” said Bob Wheeler, Analyst at Large, LightCounting. “By 2028, we expect 1.6T optical transceivers will consume more than $1 billion worth of PAM4 DSPs, as next-generation 102T switch systems transition to 200G series.”