STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM), a global leader in semiconductor solutions, has announced its next-generation technologies designed to improve optical interconnect performance in datacenters and AI clusters. As AI computing requirements continue to grow, performance and energy efficiency challenges arise across computing, memory, power supply, and interconnections. ST is addressing these challenges by introducing new silicon photonics and advanced BiCMOS technologies, set to roll out in the second half of 2025 for 800Gb/s and 1.6Tb/s optical modules.
At the heart of data center interconnections are optical transceivers, which facilitate the conversion of optical signals to electrical signals and vice versa, enabling data transfer between GPUs, switches, and storage. With ST’s new silicon photonics (SiPho) technology, customers will be able to integrate multiple complex components into a single chip. Additionally, the new BiCMOS technology will provide ultra-high-speed, low-power optical connectivity, essential for supporting AI growth.
“AI-driven demand is accelerating the need for high-speed communication within datacenters. This is the ideal time for ST to launch our power-efficient silicon photonics and next-gen BiCMOS technology, empowering customers to design advanced optical interconnect products with 800Gbps/1.6Tbps solutions,” said Remi El-Ouazzane, President of Microcontrollers, Digital ICs, and RF products Group at STMicroelectronics. “Both technologies will be produced on 300mm processes in Europe, providing a reliable, high-volume supply for critical optical module components. This announcement marks the first step of our photonic integrated circuit (PIC) product family, and we aim to become a key supplier for datacenters and AI clusters.”
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has expressed its support for the new silicon photonics technology (SiPho), with Nafea Bshara, Vice President and Distinguished Engineer at AWS, stating, “We are excited to collaborate with STMicroelectronics on their SiPho technology, which will enable seamless interconnection across workloads, including AI applications.”
According to Dr Vladimir Kozlov, CEO and Chief Analyst at LightCounting, “The pluggable optics market for data centers is projected to grow from $7 billion in 2024 to over $24 billion by 2030, with silicon photonics modulators expected to dominate the market, increasing from 30% market share in 2024 to 60% by 2030.”
STMicroelectronics, a semiconductor industry leader, is committed to driving innovation in technology and sustainability, with a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2027. With over 50,000 employees, the company serves more than 200,000 customers, working to create solutions for smarter mobility, efficient energy management, and the broad adoption of connected autonomous systems.
