M/A-Com Technology on Innovation Spree - Analyst Blog

M/A-Com Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc. MTSI, a leading supplier of high performance RF (Radio Frequency), microwave and millimeter wave products, has been on an innovation spree with various new product launches. Yesterday, the company launched MAOM-003401, the newest addition to its portfolio of drivers for 100 Gbps Ethernet applications. The company also announced that its M37040 and M37041 4x28Gbps CDRs (Clock-and-Data Recovery) have attained a production release status.

The MAOM-003401 is reported to be the lowest power quad channel driver solution for 100 Gbps Ethernet. When combined with the company's M37049 quad-channel CDR, this product will provide efficient power and form-factor solutions for CFP2 and CFP4 transceivers.

The CDRs incorporate key features, such as low power dissipation, a limiting amplifier with excellent input sensitivity, output de-emphasis to optimize link performance, test pattern generation and checking for system level diagnostics. The devices are reference-free, thus reducing the number of components and cost required to execute a retiming function.

Latest Innovations

Pushing the boundaries of power dissipation, M/A-Com Technology also launched the industry's first 100Gbps Electro-absorption Modulated Laser EML Driver monolithically integrated with CDR functions. The integration with low-power CDRs enables the device to attain the industry's most competent power consumption and smallest footprint, providing an ideal solution for small form-factor optical modules.

Another latest addition to the company's impressive repository is a family of high-performance, ultra-low power 4x28G Transimpedence Amplifiers (TIAs) which support data rates from 10.3Gbps to 28Gbps. The devices consume ultra-low power dissipation from a 3.3V supply and deliver unparalleled sensitivity in a small bare-die layout, making them perfect for high-density optical module applications.

M/A-Com Technology also introduced modulator drivers -- MAOM-003407 and MAOM-003409 -- for metro applications at 100G and beyond, completing its portfolio range for metro applications across limiting and linear systems using either single-ended or differential modulators.

Moving Forward

M/A-Com Technology, a pillar of the semiconductor industry, has a rich heritage of innovation spanning 60 years and is recognized for its extensive portfolio of technologies and products, and serves varied markets, including high speed optical, satellite, radar, wired & wireless networks, CATV (digital cable television), automotive, industrial, medical and mobile devices.

The demand for high-bandwidth services is set to escalate and coherent optical processing lays the foundation for increasing bandwidth from 10G to 100G and beyond. Staying ahead of the curve in this dynamic, cutting-edge market with continuous innovation, M/A-Com Technology now boasts the most comprehensive portfolio of modulator drivers for logical applications with solutions for all data rates, modulator types and module form factors.

M/A-Com Technology currently holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Other stocks in the industry that look promising include NXP Semiconductors NV NXPI, MaxLinear, Inc. MXL and Supertex Inc. SUPX. While both NXP and Supertex sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Maxlinear holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).