Marvell unveiled its next-generation, 5nm multi-gigabit copper Ethernet PHY platform capable of delivering up to 10 Gbps of bandwidth for Wi-Fi 7 while reducing PHY power by 50% compared to previous generations.
Marvell said its 5nm multi-gig PHY platform is based around optimized circuit designs, custom digital logic, enhanced DSP algorithms. The platform will serve as the building block for additional standalone PHYs, integrated SoCs, and custom ASICs optimized for specific markets and applications.
The Alaska M 3610 Ethernet PHY, the first chip based on the new platform, is a single port multi-gigabit PHY to enable the multi-gigabit backhaul links for improving Wi-Fi performance. Wi-Fi 7 will provide over four times the maximum aggregate data rate of Wi-Fi 6 and 6E and nearly seven times the rate of Wi-Fi 5, a leap in performance. Wi-Fi 7 will require multiple backhaul links with PHYs operating at speeds up to 10 Gbps.
The Alaska M 3610 also includes IEEE 802.1AE 256-bit hardware-based link-layer Media Access Control (MACsec) for flexible encryption deployment while eliminating the cost and power burden of including this functionality in an access point’s system-on-chip.
“Our first to market new 5nm multi-gigabit copper PHY platform delivers a leap in performance and capabilities over those found on the market today,” said Venu Balasubramonian, vice president of product marketing, High Speed Connectivity and PHY Business Unit at Marvell. “PHY innovation is absolutely essential for meeting the bandwidth demands of AI, AR, remote work and other high-bandwidth applications. Marvell has made a strong commitment to PHY development and to maintaining a leadership position in this technology area to deliver solutions that address the emerging needs of our customers.”
