MediaTek has joined the effort to replace the lasers (VCSELs or EMLs) and Silicon Photonics chips in "short-reach" networking with MicroLEDs, which consume much less power, media report. MediaTek worked with Microsoft to develop a next-gen Active Optical Cable (AOC) that uses an array of hundreds of tiny Micro LEDs—the same tiny lights used in high-end TV screens—to send data. MediaTek achieved this by creating a single chip that does the work previously requiring 3 separate chips (the DSP, TIA, laser driver), with the Micro LED array bonded directly onto the chip for maximum efficiency. The chip is part of MediaTek’s aggressive expansion into the AI data center ASIC market. $Microsoft(MSFT.US) #Mediatek #semiconductors #SiliconPhotonics #MicroLEDs #CPO

Source: Dan Nystedt