100GbE transceivers flaunt Ethernet Gearbox functionality

Marvell has rolled out what it describes as a fully integrated, 100GbE Gearbox with Multilink Gearbox (MLG) functionality. The Alaska C 88X5111 allows 100Gb/s full duplex transmission and performs all physical layer functions required for a number of media such as single mode and multimode optical modules, copper backplanes, and passive and active copper direct attach cables.

The 88X5111 line interface is fully compliant with IEEE 802.3BJ and supports the Reed Solomon Forward Error Correction (RS-FEC) function required for 100G-CR4, 100G-KR4 and 100G-SR4 operation, as well as auto-negotiation and coefficient training protocol required by IEEE 802.3 standards. The 88X5111 is sampling to Marvell's global customers and will be sold as a standalone PHY, as well as with Marvell switches.

Manufactured with 28nm lithography in a 17mm x17mm package footprint, the 88X5111 is a fully integrated single chip Ethernet transceiver that performs all physical layer functions required for 100Gb/s Ethernet Gearbox functionality, and drives 100Gb/s full duplex transmission, over a variety of media. Its MLG functionality aligns with OIF MLG 2.0 specifications, enabling aggregation of 10 independent streams of 10Gb/s Ethernet or two independent streams of 40Gb/s Ethernet to be multiplexed onto a 4x25Gb/s stream.

The 8X5111 also connects to a Media Access Control (MAC) or switch over a 10x10Gb/s CAUI-10 link on its host interface. These transit drive and receiver equalization capabilities significantly exceed CAUI-10 requirements and meet 10GBase-KR specifications. The line interface of the 88X5111 is fully compliant to the IEEE 802.3BJ standard that defines the physical layer specifications for 100Gb/s operation over backplanes and copper cables.

The device supports the RS-FEC feature, as well as auto-negotiation and coefficient training protocol required by the 802.3BJ standard. Additionally, internal registers can be accessed via a management data input/output serial management interface, which is compliant with IEEE 802.3 specification. The device includes internal PRBS generators, and Ethernet packet generators and loopbacks to assist with testing and debugging.

Key features of Marvell's 88X5111 include long reach line serialiser/deserialiser (SerDes) capable of compensating an insertion loss of up to 30dB without FEC; integrated Reed-Solomon FEC capable of driving 100G-CR4 cables, 100G-KR4 backplanes and 100G-SR4 optical modules; MLG 2.0 Gearboxing functionality enabling aggregation of 10 independent 10GbE streams or two independent 40GbE streams to a 4x25G pipe; integrated IEEE auto-negotiation and training protocol enabling seamless interoperability with IEEE-compliant devices from other vendors; and fully autonomous equaliser adaptation.