# Marvell and GlobalFoundries Expand Silicon Photonics Partnership Collaboration aims to boost production of advanced optical components for AI and high-performance computing. - **Source:** [www.theregister.com - Articles](https://brifing.si/source/2c34ea50-d341-4a10-925d-12c012a9ad10) - **Published:** 2026-09-17 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/27624e2b-3a0b-4d8a-b1c9-7f9c0b1839fd ## Strategic partnership expansion Marvell and GlobalFoundries announced an expanded collaboration to increase silicon germanium (SiGe) wafer production at GlobalFoundries' Vermont facility. This material is crucial for manufacturing optical transceivers and laser modules used in high-end networking equipment. The partnership responds to growing demand for photonics solutions in AI and data center applications. GlobalFoundries' SiGe technology has already been validated for 200 Gbps per lane speeds. ## Optics technology drivers The collaboration focuses on producing components for near- and co-packaged optics (NPO/CPO), critical for next-gen networking hardware. Nvidia already uses CPO in its Spectrum Ethernet and Quantum InfiniBand switches to reduce power consumption. These technologies are becoming essential as copper interconnects reach physical limitations at higher speeds. Industry analysts expect NPO adoption in large multi-rack systems like Huawei's Ascend 960DT-based SuperPods. ## Technical specifications GlobalFoundries' SiGe technology currently supports 200 Gbps per lane, enabling 1.6 Tbps transceivers. The roadmap includes development of 3.2 Tbps solutions as lane speeds increase. This advancement addresses the industry's need for higher bandwidth connections in AI infrastructure. The technology is particularly valuable for intra-rack connections where copper becomes impractical above 400 Gbps. ## Market dynamics AI applications are dramatically increasing demand for optical components. While optics traditionally connected racks across data centers, they're now needed for shorter distances as copper reaches its technical limits. At 400 Gbps, copper cables can't effectively carry signals beyond 1.25 meters. This shift is driving massive investments across the photonics supply chain. ## Industry investments Nvidia has committed billions to optics technology, including $2 billion each to Lumentum and Coherent. Coherent subsequently announced plans to quadruple production of indium phosphide wafers at its Texas facility. These investments highlight the strategic importance of photonics in supporting next-generation computing architectures. The industry is racing to build capacity for AI-driven demand. ## Technical limitations Copper interconnects face fundamental physics constraints as speeds increase from 25 Gbps to 50, 100, and 200 Gbps. Beyond 400 Gbps per lane, copper becomes impractical even for single-rack connections. This limitation is forcing the industry to transition to optical solutions for shorter distances. The change represents a significant architectural shift in data center design. ## Production implications The expanded partnership will increase GlobalFoundries' capacity for SiGe wafers, crucial for optical components. These wafers enable conversion between electrical and optical signals in networking equipment. The production boost comes as major tech companies prepare for next-gen infrastructure needs. Marvell's optics technology positions it as a key player in this transition. ## Future outlook The collaboration signals a broader industry shift toward optical interconnects in AI infrastructure. As copper reaches its limits, photonics solutions are becoming essential for performance and energy efficiency. This transition creates opportunities for semiconductor manufacturers and component suppliers. The partnership strengthens both companies' positions in the emerging photonics ecosystem. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.theregister.com/systems/2026/09/18/marvell-pushes-globalfoundries-to-light-up-wafer-production/5297340 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._