As artificial intelligence (AI) applications continue to expand, data centers face increased requirements for performance, scalability, security, and efficiency. Microchip Technology Inc (Nasdaq: MCHP) is developing a range of technologies aimed at addressing the growing needs of data center infrastructure in connectivity, storage, and compute resources.
Microchip offers a broad portfolio of solutions supporting workload acceleration, power delivery, component-level optimization, and system control. These technologies enable data centers to manage evolving operational and performance challenges while maintaining secure and scalable environments.
Microchip’s offerings include PCIe® switches across Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5 standards, with Gen 6 and Gen 7 under development. Its storage solutions feature Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe®) controllers and RAID systems incorporating hardware-based data protection. Connectivity products include retimers and Ethernet PHYs to enhance signal integrity and inter-device communication. Power systems, monitoring solutions, and precise timing components are designed for high reliability and energy efficiency, suitable for enterprise and hyperscale data center deployments.
Microchip’s 800G Active Electrical Cable (AEC) reference design incorporates the META-DX2C retimer featuring 112G SerDes, providing a foundation for high-speed data transmission in AI-focused network environments. It includes an integrated software stack that adheres to the CMIS 5.2 specification, running on a 32-bit microcontroller. This configuration supports both QSFP-DD and OSFP cable products, offering a ready-to-deploy solution that significantly reduces the development time, cost, and complexity associated with building 800G AECs.
The META-DX2+ Ethernet PHYs introduce a Lambda Splitting capability, designed to maximize fiber utilization by enabling traffic distribution across multiple wavelengths. This approach improves bandwidth efficiency by up to 50% and lowers the overall cost of high-speed interconnects. These transceivers are particularly suited for high-throughput Data Center Interconnect (DCI) systems that are increasingly required to support demanding AI workloads.
The LAN9646 is a six-port Gigabit Ethernet switch that integrates four 10/100/1000BASE-T PHYs and supports a wide range of interface options, including SGMII, RGMII, MII, and RMII. This switch supports full VLAN and Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, making it suitable for managing complex traffic scenarios. Its compatibility with standard management interfaces such as SPI, I2C, and MIIM, along with Linux® DSA support, enables deployment across applications like broadband gateways, industrial automation, surveillance systems, and network test equipment, especially in environments with wide temperature ranges.
The MCPF1412 is a compact, high-density power module engineered to deliver up to 12A of current within a voltage range of 0.6V to 1.8V, operating from a 16V input source. Its small footprint, measuring just 5.8 mm × 4.9 mm × 1.6 mm, is optimized for systems where board space is limited. With built-in I2C and PMBus® interfaces, this module enables efficient configuration, real-time monitoring, and dynamic power management, meeting the stringent efficiency demands of next-generation electronic systems.
Microchip’s dsPIC33A digital signal controllers are tailored for power conversion systems in data centers and AI infrastructure. They support advanced control algorithms at higher clock speeds, improving responsiveness and energy efficiency. Integrated cryptographic capabilities ensure firmware authenticity and secure device operation, while their reliability and diagnostic functions contribute to system stability in applications such as power factor correction, resonant converters, and synchronous rectification.
Microprocessors designed for OpenBMC platforms provide intelligent auxiliary management for data center subsystems including power shelves, storage arrays, chassis cooling, and overall system control. These MPUs offer out-of-band management through Redfish® protocol, along with capabilities for secure monitoring, logging, and firmware updates. Their support for encrypted data transmission and remote reboot functionality makes them critical for maintaining infrastructure integrity and uptime in remote or large-scale environments.
Collectively, these technologies illustrate Microchip’s commitment to addressing the technical requirements of modern data centers. From enhancing signal transmission and bandwidth efficiency to strengthening power systems and management platforms, each solution is developed to support the increasing complexity and performance standards brought on by AI and other data-intensive workloads.
Microchip’s Root of Trust Controllers provide firmware verification during system boot and ongoing monitoring for critical components such as NICs, HBAs, SSDs, and power modules. These controllers enforce secure ownership transitions and lifecycle management, contributing to enhanced platform security.
“AI is reshaping infrastructure requirements, and Microchip is advancing core components for connectivity, power, and system control to meet the increasing complexity of modern data centers,” said Brian McCarson, Corporate Vice President, Data Center Solutions.
With over six decades of experience in the aerospace field, Microchip continues to support the industry with an extensive catalog of components, including microcontrollers, FPGAs, power systems, and timing solutions—each engineered to meet rigorous military and spaceflight standards.
