Broadcom announces Sian3 and Sian2M DSP PHYs for AI workloads

Broadcom Inc. has announced the expansion of its 200G/lane Data Stewardship Program (DSP) PHY portfolio with the introduction of Sian3 and Sian2M, targeting connectivity requirements for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) clusters. These products aim to meet the increasing demand for optimized power in both Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) and short-reach multi-mode fiber (MMF) links for 800G and 1.6T optical transceivers.

The growth in AI workloads is driving a need for higher bandwidth and interconnect density. Broadcom's latest DSPs, together with its existing 200G/lane lasers, are positioned to offer improved power efficiency and cost effectiveness for the next generation of AI infrastructure.

Sian3 introduces a 3nm 200G/lane PAM4 DSP PHY that claims the lowest power consumption in the industry for SMF-based optical transceivers operating at 800G and 1.6T. This new offering enhances power management, achieving a power reduction of over 20% compared to the previous Sian2 DSP.

Sian2M is tailored for 800G and 1.6T short-reach MMF links and integrates VCSEL drivers, which Broadcom asserts optimize performance and efficiency for these applications. The company has previously deployed over 50 million channels of 100G VCSELs in AI networks.

Broadcom stresses the potential of the Sian3 and Sian2M DSP PHYs to support module developers in addressing the growing demand for 200G optics in AI settings. The company's existing 200G EML and photodetector (PD) solutions are already in volume production.

“Broadcom's Sian family of DSP PHYs is foundational to the low-power, high-bandwidth optical connectivity needed for AI/ML clusters,” said Vijay Janapaty, vice president and general manager of Broadcom's Physical Layer Products Division. “Our new 3nm Sian3 provides over 20% power reduction for 1.6T optical modules, while Sian2M further improves efficiencies for short-reach connections.”

Analyst Bob Wheeler from LightCounting noted that build-outs for AI infrastructure are expected to significantly increase PAM4 DSP shipments, predicting that by 2028, the market for 1.6T optical transceivers will exceed $1 billion.

Broadcom is currently sampling the Sian3 and Sian2M solutions to selected customers, with plans for production ramp-up of Sian3 in the third quarter of 2025. Interested parties are advised to contact Broadcom’s sales representatives for further information.