In today’s data-driven world, the demand for faster, more reliable, and more efficient data transfer is at an all-time high. As next-generation applications like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), cloud computing, and hyperscale data centers continue to evolve, the need for cutting-edge high-speed interconnect solutions becomes critical. Amphenol Communications Solutions is answering this call with its latest innovations in High-Speed I/O Connectors (HSIO CN): the ExtremePort QSFP-DD 112G and the earlier released ExtremePort QSFP+ / SFP+ series.
Meeting the Speed Challenge: ExtremePort QSFP-DD 112G
Designed to meet the demands of ultra-high-speed data transmission, the ExtremePort QSFP-DD 112G connector system represents the forefront of high-speed connectivity solutions. Supporting data rates of up to 112Gbps per channel (PAM4 signaling), and an aggregate bandwidth of up to 800Gbps per port, this new generation pushes the limits of what data centers and network hubs can achieve.
Key Features:
- High-Speed Performance: Supports 8 channels per port at 112Gbps PAM4 for an overall throughput of 800Gbps.
- Optimized Signal Integrity: Advanced engineering techniques such as laser-welded wave shields minimize within-row and row-to-row crosstalk. Shortened signal paths and minimal use of plastic around signal leads contribute to reduced insertion loss.
- Enhanced Materials: Utilization of high-performance copper alloys ensures reliable mating force and tight impedance control across all interfaces.
- Thermal Management: Multiple heatsink options are available — from traditional fin designs to advanced zipped-fin structures — combined with thermal interface materials (TIMs) for improved heat dissipation. Customizable solutions even enable support beyond 20W per module.
- Mechanical Configurations: Offered in SMT single port (1x1) and stacked (2x1) connector/cage assemblies, with scalable cage configurations (1x1 to 1x5).
- Backward Compatibility: Fully backward mating-compatible with QSFP modules, ensuring seamless upgrades and flexible deployments.
The ExtremePort QSFP-DD 112G solution is now in mass production, with comprehensive technical documentation, SI models, application specifications, and test fixtures readily available to support new designs.
Building the Foundation: ExtremePort QSFP+ and SFP+
Before the leap to 112G speeds, Amphenol established a strong foundation with its ExtremePort QSFP and ExtremePort SFP solutions.
- ExtremePort QSFP+ (4 channels): Supports up to 56Gbps per channel, achieving an aggregated data rate of 448Gbps.
- ExtremePort SFP+ (1 channel): Optimized for single-lane transmission at up to 56Gbps, ideal for space-constrained designs.
These systems have already proven themselves in high-density, high-speed networking, providing:
- Superior thermal efficiency
- Flexible press-fit and surface-mount assembly options
- Rugged mechanical durability
- Effective EMI containment
These NPIs provided the critical foundation for scaling to today’s emerging 800Gbps-class infrastructures.
Applications Driving Growth
Several transformative industries are fueling the rapid growth in high-speed interconnect demand. HSIO CN’s ExtremePort products are designed to meet and exceed these evolving requirements:
- Hyperscale Datacenters: Today’s hyperscale facilities manage vast amounts of data for cloud services, video streaming, and enterprise IT. With AI and ML workloads demanding exponentially higher bandwidth, future datacenters must handle terabits of data per second with lower latency and greater energy efficiency. Amphenol’s QSFP-DD 112G products enable dense port configurations and high aggregate bandwidth, critical to scaling server and storage fabrics efficiently.
- Telecommunications Infrastructure: The ongoing global 5G rollout and preparation for 6G demand faster backbone networks with higher bandwidth to support connected devices, smart cities, and IoT ecosystems. HSIO CN’s high-speed connectors facilitate rapid data transmission between base stations, core networks, and edge computing hubs, ensuring networks stay ahead of customer expectations.
- High-Performance Computing (HPC): HPC centers, used in fields like climate modeling, genomics, and AI research, require low-latency, high-throughput data exchange across thousands of servers. As computing speeds rise, interconnects must scale accordingly. ExtremePort solutions provide the high-speed, high-reliability links required to maintain performance in complex HPC architectures.
- Test and Measurement Systems: As device speeds increase, the need for precise, high-frequency signal testing becomes critical. Test equipment must deliver accurate, real-time data without introducing noise or distortion. ExtremePort QSFP-DD 112G connectors’ superior signal integrity performance ensures that test systems can validate cutting-edge designs at next-generation speeds.
- Enterprise and Edge Computing: Organizations are increasingly moving computing power closer to the data source to reduce latency. Edge servers, smart factories, and remote operations centers demand high-speed connections in compact footprints. HSIO CN’s small-form-factor, high-bandwidth connectors enable reliable, high-speed performance even in challenging environmental conditions.
Across all these applications, the common themes are increasing bandwidth demands, the need for energy efficiency, the importance of thermal management, and the necessity of future-proof scalability. Amphenol Communications Solutions’ HSIO CN products directly address these challenges.
Preparing for the Next Leap: Advancing Toward 224G Connectivity
HSIO CN’s innovation pipeline doesn't stop at 112G. As announced during Amphenol Communications Solutions’ February 2025 HSIO CN webinar and highlighted in online technical resources, development efforts for ExtremePort QSFP-DD 224G systems are already underway. This next generation aims to double the lane speed, reaching 224Gbps per channel for an aggregate bandwidth solution of 1.6Tbps.
Prototype sampling and preliminary designs for 224G systems are currently underway, ensuring that Amphenol customers can continue scaling their systems without disruption.
Why Choose Amphenol Communications Solutions' HSIO CN Products?
When selecting a high-speed interconnect partner, technical leadership, manufacturing excellence, and global support capabilities matter. Amphenol Communications Solutions offers:
- Global Reach: Manufacturing in China and India, with R&D facilities in the U.S., Canada, Taiwan, and China.
- Technical Expertise: Over 100 new custom designs annually, with leadership roles in multiple MSA standards development.
- Speed to Market: Industry-leading lead times (6-10 weeks) and quick-turn prototyping services.
- Quality Commitment: Certified to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and QC 080000 standards.
- Comprehensive Support: 24-hour, 5-day-a-week online technical support and extensive design-in resources.
Amphenol Communications Solutions’ HSIO CN product portfolio is not just about high performance; it’s about reliability, scalability, and partnership that ensures success throughout a product's entire lifecycle.
Final Thoughts
The ExtremePort QSFP-DD 112G and ExtremePort QSFP+/SFP+ connectors by Amphenol Communications Solutions embody the future of High-Speed IO connectivity. Designed with superior electrical performance, mechanical robustness, and thermal management, they position data center, telecom, and enterprise infrastructure for the challenges of tomorrow.
As industries demand faster and more efficient systems, Amphenol's commitment to innovation ensures their HSIO Connectors are the clear choice for building scalable, future-ready solutions.
Learn more at: ExtremePort QSFP-DD 112G | ExtremePort QSFP+ | ExtremePort SFP+ | ExtremePort QSFP DD 112G Webinar | High Speed IO Connector Selector | High Speed IO