SFP-DD MSA to Define Specification for New Small Form-Factor Pluggable Interface

Fourteen industry leaders join forces to double lane density and data
speed of SFP transceivers

BERLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The SFP-DD
Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) Group has announced intent to develop
the specification for a high-speed, double-density small form-factor
pluggable (SFP-DD) interface. Under the MSA, participating companies
will address the technical challenges of achieving a double-density SFP
interface and ensuring mechanical interoperability for module components
produced by different manufacturers. New SFP-DD based networking
equipment will support legacy SFP modules and cables, as well as new
double density products.

The SFP-DD MSA founding members include Alibaba, Broadcom, Brocade,
Cisco, Dell EMC, Finisar, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Huawei, Intel,
Juniper Networks, Lumentum, Mellanox Technologies, Molex, and TE
Connectivity.

Members of the MSA will develop operating parameters, signal
transmission speed goals, and protocols for the SFP-DD interface, which
expands on the SFP pluggable form factor, a widely adopted electrical
interface used in data centers and other networking platforms.
Multi-vendor SFP modules and assemblies are available today in a range
of data rate speeds and reaches to support data transmission
applications including hubs, switches, routers and servers.

The SFP interface’s single electrical lane operates up to 25 Gbps NRZ or
56 Gbps PAM4. The new SFP-DD electrical interfaces will be designed to
support 2 lanes that operate up to 25 Gbps NRZ or 56 Gbps PAM4 per lane,
providing solutions up to 50 Gbps or 112 Gbps PAM4 aggregate. By
doubling the lane density and data speed of SFP transceivers, the SFP-DD
specification will address increased port density and scalability in
next-generation applications, with a primary focus on the server side
interconnect. An SFP-DD server port along with QSFP-DD switch ports
provides an overall doubling of the port density in network applications

Participation of industry leaders in the SFP-DD MSA will enable faster
adoption and ease of operation of a new pluggable interface. Systems
designed for SFP-DD modules will be backward compatible with SFP modules
to provide maximum flexibility for end users, network platform designers
and integrators.

Please visit www.sfp-dd.com
for more information about the SFP-DD MSA.

Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

We are disclosing forward-looking information so that investors,
potential investors, and other owners can better understand the
mentioned Companies’ prospects and make informed investment decisions.
The information in this press release contains “forward-looking
statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by the fact that
they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Any
forward-looking statement made by the Companies speak only as of the
date on which it is made. The Companies are under no obligation to, and
expressly disclaim any obligation to, update or alter their
forward-looking statements, whether because of new information,
subsequent events or otherwise.

Contacts

Outlook Marketing Services
Christa Carroll
Senior Vice
President
630.408.9164
[email protected]