Microchip Expands Connectivity, Storage and Compute Portfolios to Meet the Growing Demands of AI Data Center Applications
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to redefine data centers. As AI technologies evolve, so do the expectations for faster, more secure, and scalable infrastructure. In response, Microchip Technology (Nasdaq: MCHP) has strategically expanded its portfolio to support the rising demands of AI workloads. The company now offers a robust ecosystem to enhance data center performance, scalability, and security.
Meeting Data Center Demands with a Complete Ecosystem
To begin with, Microchip’s data center ecosystem combines advanced technologies for connectivity, storage, and compute acceleration. In fact, it includes everything from high-speed PCIe® switches and NVMe® storage controllers to power management and system control tools. Furthermore, the ecosystem ensures that enterprise and hyperscale data centers meet the growing challenges of scalability, security, and performance.
Comprehensive Innovations in Interconnect and Storage
Microchip’s high-speed interconnect solutions now include Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5 PCIe® switches. Meanwhile, Gen 6 and Gen 7 versions are already in development. These switches, combined with NVMe storage and RAID controllers, ensure reliable data transfer with hardware-based security. As a result, data centers benefit from better protection and smoother performance.
Additionally, Microchip offers retimers and Ethernet PHYs that optimize connectivity for dense, data-intensive applications. This strengthens interconnect functionality while minimizing latency and maximizing bandwidth.
Optimized Power Management for Enterprise Scale
Power efficiency remains a critical factor for data centers. Microchip addresses this by offering adaptable, energy-efficient solutions. Its power modules, timing tools, and system monitoring solutions all work in tandem to ensure optimal resource usage. Thus, enterprises can expect improved uptime and lower energy consumption.
Highlighted New Data Center Solutions
Let’s explore Microchip’s most recent product launches and innovations:
1. 800G Active Electrical Cable (AEC) Reference Design
- This reference design uses the META-DX2C 800G retimer with 112G SerDes.
- It helps customers reduce development time, cost, and complexity for 800G AECs in generative AI environments.
- Also included is a software package implementing CMIS 5.2 on a Microchip 32-bit microcontroller.
- This makes the development of QSFP-DD and OSFP cable products significantly more efficient.
2. META-DX2+ Ethernet PHYs with Lambda Splitting
- This solution enhances Data Center Interconnect (DCI) performance.
- It enables fiber splitting across multiple wavelengths, increasing bandwidth efficiency by up to 50%.
- Moreover, it lowers costs by maximizing existing infrastructure.
3. LAN9646: 6-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch
- This GbE switch features four integrated 10/100/1000BASE-T PHYs.
- It supports several interfaces including SGMII, RGMII, MII, and RMII.
- The product includes full VLAN and QoS support, allowing better traffic management.
- Its SPI, I2C, and MIIM management options work seamlessly with Linux® DSA.
- With an industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), it suits various use cases like broadband gateways, industrial automation, and surveillance systems.
4. High-Density Power Module – MCPF1412
- This compact module delivers 12A at a voltage range between 0.6V and 1.8V.
- Despite its small size (5.8 mm × 4.9 mm × 1.6 mm), it offers high efficiency for space-constrained environments.
- It supports I2C and PMBus® interfaces for real-time monitoring and system configuration.
- It significantly reduces energy loss, making it perfect for power-sensitive applications.
5. dsPIC33A Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs)
- These DSCs enable better energy efficiency with higher clock speeds and advanced control algorithms.
- They support faster response times for power supply regulation in AI servers.
- Built-in cryptographic algorithms offer firmware protection and device authentication.
- Furthermore, they support critical applications like power factor correction and synchronous rectification.
6. MPUs for OpenBMC Applications
- These MPUs improve Auxiliary Management Control (AMC) in power shelves, enterprise storage, and cooling systems.
- They include Redfish® protocol support, enabling RESTful monitoring, logging, and alerting.
- Secure data transmission and remote firmware updates help streamline infrastructure management.
- As a result, administrators gain better tools for remote control, power monitoring, and secure lifecycle management.
Security at the Heart of Microchip’s Vision
Microchip understands that security is central to next-generation data centers. Therefore, it offers a wide range of Secure Root of Trust Controllers. These controllers take charge at boot, validating firmware in external Flash before allowing CPU or GPU access. This process prevents unauthorized code execution from the very beginning.
Even after boot-up, these controllers stay active. They authenticate essential components like NICs, HBAs, SSDs, and power supplies. Additionally, they facilitate secure ownership transfer and lifecycle management, which is critical in shared infrastructure environments.
Expert View: Microchip’s Commitment to AI-Powered Infrastructure
Brian McCarson, corporate vice president of Microchip’s data center solutions business unit, emphasizes the urgency of innovation. “AI is revolutionizing all aspects of the digital landscape,” he explains. “Data centers face growing demands for workload acceleration, security, and efficiency.”
He adds, “Microchip is delivering essential building blocks—from high-speed connectivity to power management—that help our customers scale effectively.”
Enhancing the Customer Experience (CX)
From a customer experience perspective, Microchip’s approach delivers significant value. First, it simplifies design and integration through complete reference designs and development tools. Second, it enhances operational reliability through robust power and monitoring systems. Third, it improves security, protecting customer investments over the product lifecycle.
Moreover, Microchip provides outstanding technical support. Customers also benefit from dependable product delivery and high-quality engineering—critical elements in enterprise planning and infrastructure deployment.
Explore More
For those looking to dive deeper into Microchip’s data center ecosystem, visit:
About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology Inc. is a global leader in embedded control and processing solutions. Its tools and product offerings empower over 100,000 customers to design optimal systems while lowering cost and risk. With applications in industrial, automotive, aerospace, defense, and computing markets, Microchip delivers innovation, security, and technical excellence from its base in Chandler, Arizona. Learn more at www.microchip.com.
