Zürich, Switzerland – January 8, 2026 – Tetra Semiconductors Ltd., a leader in high-performance semiconductor solutions, today announced the mass-production release of its groundbreaking TSR3PAM1 and TST3PAM1 integrated circuits (ICs). These devices are the industry’s first ICs to fully support PCI Express® 6.0 specifications for Active Optical Cables (AOCs), while also maintaining backward compatibility with earlier PCIe generations. The ICs support data rates of up to 64 Gbit/s PAM4 as well as ultra-low-power NRZ operation.
Revolutionizing Data Center and High-Performance Computing Connectivity
The TSR3PAM1 and TST3PAM1 ICs are designed to address the rapidly growing demand for high-speed, low-latency data transmission in data centers, cloud computing, and high-performance computing (HPC) environments. With the global AOC market projected to grow at a CAGR exceeding 13% through 2030—reaching $8.79 billion—these ICs provide a critical enabling technology for next-generation optical interconnects by delivering higher bandwidth and superior energy efficiency.
Standalone operation eliminates the need for an external microcontroller, enabling extremely low-cost AOC designs while maintaining robust link performance.
Key Features and Innovations
- PCI Express 6.0 Compliance
Supports 64 Gbit/s PAM4 and 32 Gbit/s and lower NRZ data rates, enabling seamless integration with next-generation server, accelerator, and storage architectures. - Advanced Signal Integrity
Integrated CTLE and DFE equalization, adaptive input signal monitoring, and automatic threshold control ensure reliable operation across a wide range of channel conditions. - Ultra-Low-Power Operation
Optimized power modes—including CDR bypass and pure analog operation—reduce power consumption to as low as 130 mW per channel, ideal for power-constrained AOC applications. - Standalone Operation
Supports fully autonomous, microcontroller-less operation for ultra-low-cost designs, while optional microcontroller integration enables advanced tuning, higher link margins, and system-level optimization across diverse interconnect applications. - Flexible Configuration
Advanced I²C and e-fuse-based programmability deliver exceptional flexibility, enabling deployment across multiple high-speed signaling standards and proprietary interconnects—extending well beyond PCI Express and Active Optical Cables into next-generation optical and electrical link architectures.
Industry-Leading Performance for Active Optical Cables
The TSR3PAM1 (Transimpedance Amplifier) and TST3PAM1 (VCSEL Driver) are engineered to operate together as a complete AOC solution.
- The TSR3PAM1 integrates four TIA channels with CDR and post-cursor equalization, complemented by extensive control, monitoring, and diagnostic capabilities.
- The TST3PAM1 features a four-channel VCSEL driver with bathtub-shaped analog control and temperature compensation, along with comprehensive control and monitoring functions—critical for maintaining signal integrity in demanding operating environments.
Market Impact and Availability
“As data centers and HPC systems transition to PCIe 6.0, the demand for high-speed, reliable, and power-efficient Active Optical Cables has never been greater,” said Martin Bosard, CEO of Tetra Semiconductors Ltd. “Our TSR3PAM1 and TST3PAM1 ICs not only meet but exceed these requirements, setting a new benchmark for performance, flexibility, and cost efficiency in optical interconnects.”
The TSR3PAM1 and TST3PAM1 ICs will be available in volume in February 2026, with samples available immediately for qualified customers.
For more information, visit https://www.tetra-semi.com/ or contact info@tetra-semi.com.
About Tetra Semiconductors Ltd.
Tetra Semiconductors Ltd. is a pioneer in semiconductor innovation, specializing in high-speed interconnects, radiation-hardened ICs, and advanced signal-processing solutions. Tetra’s products power the next generation of data centers, aerospace systems, and high-performance computing platforms worldwide.
Media Contact:
Denis Müller
Head of Marketing, Tetra Semiconductors Ltd.
📧 info@tetra-semi.com
📞 +41 44 558 53 93