Marvell Unveils 1.6T ZR/ZR+ Pluggable and 2nm Coherent DSPs for AI Data Centers
Event summary
- Marvell introduced the industry’s first 1.6T ZR/ZR+ pluggable (COLORZ 1600) and 2nm coherent DSPs (Electra and Libra) with MACsec security for AI data center interconnects.
- COLORZ 1600 connects data centers at 1.6T with support for campus (20km), metro (120km), and regional (1,000km) distances.
- COLORZ 800, powered by Libra DSP, enables secure 800G interconnects up to 1,000km and supports multiple form factors (QSFP-DD, OSFP).
- Products expected to begin sampling in the second half of 2026, with Marvell showcasing at OFC 2026 (March 15–19).
The big picture
Marvell’s new 1.6T ZR/ZR+ pluggable and 2nm coherent DSPs address the surging demand for high-bandwidth, low-power, and secure optical transmission in AI-driven data centers. The company’s deep expertise in coherent technology and expanded manufacturing capacity position it to capitalize on the growing need for scalable interconnect solutions. The move to 2nm solutions underscores Marvell’s commitment to performance and power efficiency in a competitive market.
What we're watching
- Market Leadership
- Whether Marvell can sustain its first-to-market advantage in coherent DSPs amid growing competition.
- Manufacturing Scale
- The pace at which Marvell expands pluggable manufacturing capacity to meet hyperscale AI data center demand.
- Power Efficiency
- How the 2nm DSPs will impact power consumption and cost efficiency in AI data center interconnects.
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