The Rise of a New Force in Optical Chips

▤ Summary

This article analyzes the rise of new players in optical interconnect chips and how AI data center demand is reshaping the market. It contrasts established leaders like Broadcom and Marvell with challengers such as Lianfang, Dahua, and others building different optical and electrical interconnect paths. The piece highlights multiple technology tracks, including CPO, PAM4 SerDes, Micro LED-based optical sources, AOC, AEC, and coherent-lite solutions. It also describes product roadmaps and ecosystem moves that could shift bargaining power across the data center connectivity stack. Overall, the article frames optical connectivity as a new strategic battleground for AI infrastructure.

▦ Linked Companies

MediaTek

$1B+

Ayar Labs, Inc.

$10M to $25M