Coherent has introduced a new portfolio of pluggable optical transceivers engineered specifically for use in AI/ML data center architectures that incorporate optical circuit switches (OCSs). These transceivers, launching at OFC 2025, address the additional insertion loss introduced by OCS—up to 3 dB beyond conventional standards—without compromising reach, density, or power budgets. This enables seamless deployment of OCSs in hyperscale environments while preserving standard optical link distances of up to 6 km.
The new transceivers are compliant with and enhanced versions of the IEEE 400G FR4, 2x400G FR4, and 2x400G LR4-6 standards. They are available in both QSFP-DD and OSFP form factors, supporting 400G and 800G optical links typically used in dense, multi-wavelength AI/ML cluster deployments. These modules are designed to be drop-in replacements that maintain compatibility with standard transceivers in traditional deployments, while also providing interoperability in OCS-optimized environments.
Coherent plans to extend this OCS-ready design approach to 1.6T FR8 transceivers in the near future, addressing the next wave of AI-driven bandwidth demand. The flexibility to operate across both OCS and non-OCS links gives data center operators the ability to modernize physical infrastructure for lower latency and energy consumption without sacrificing reach or density.
• Coherent launches transceivers optimized for OCS deployments in AI/ML clusters.
• Enhanced versions of 400G FR4, 2x400G FR4, and 2x400G LR4-6 with extra 3 dB insertion loss margin.
• Supports up to 6 km reach in QSFP-DD and OSFP form factors.
• Fully interoperable with conventional and OCS-optimized transceivers.
• 1.6T FR8 OCS-ready transceivers are under development.
“With these new optical transceivers, the OCS can be accommodated without the need for any compromise on distance or link budget,” said Dr. Steffen Koehler, SVP and GM, OCS Business Unit at Coherent.
