Point2 Technology is making strides to enhance energy efficiency in data centers through innovative cabling solutions. With the rise of AI applications and machine learning workloads, which now constitute almost 20% of data center electricity consumption, the need for more sustainable practices has never been more pressing. Current projections indicate that data centers may account for as much as 9.1% of total U.S. electricity generation by 2030.
To address these challenges, Point2 Technology introduces its Smart Retimer System on Chip (SoC), designed to ensure robust signal strength over thinner wires while significantly reducing power consumption. David Kuo, Point2’s associate vice president of product marketing, explains that their chips are integrated into networking cables to counteract signal loss that occurs at higher data rates—the phenomenon known as high-frequency loss. Without intervention, higher data speeds through copper wiring result in greater signal diminishment.
The solution lies in the use of retimers, which effectively clean up signal impairments, allowing for seamless communication across different components, such as between racks or servers. The P1B121 Smart Retimer SoC, specifically, combines eight unidirectional SerDes channels with sophisticated functions that support high data rates. It boasts capabilities like programmable equalization and advanced signal processing designed to adapt to varying cable conditions.
Importantly, each P1B121 chip consumes only 3.0 watts, leading to significant power savings—potentially halving the power requirements of traditional networking cables. With data center racks housing between 30 to 150 cables, the cumulative energy savings become remarkably substantial when considering the reduced energy and cooling demands.
Moreover, the use of retimer chips facilitates thinner cabling by mitigating the necessity for increased copper, which is typically used to handle signal loss. The Point2 retimer is projected to support current speeds of 400 Gb/s, with advancements leading to 800 Gb and 1.6 Tb speeds expected in the near future. Point2 is currently collaborating with clients to design these enhanced cables, anticipating market introduction in the first half of 2025.
