At CES 2023 in Las Vegas (Jan. 5 - 8), Spectra7 Microsystems Inc. (TSXV: SEV), a provider of analog semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) products for data centers, 5G infrastructure, virtual and augmented reality, and other connectivity markets, is collaborating with connector and cable supplier Advanced-Connectek USA Inc. (ACON); and Mo-Link Technologies Limited, a global provider of fiber-optic, copper, and wireless connectivity technology, to jointly demonstrate a Thunderbolt 4 active copper cable (ACC) employing Spectra7's GC2502 GaugeChanger ICs.
Value proposition
Spectra7 said its GaugeChanger brand defines "a unique analog redriver technology that allows copper to extend to much longer lengths without the cost and power penalty of optics or retimed copper solutions."
As employed in the demo, Spectra7's GC2502 ICs enable Thunderbolt 4 protocol at rates up to 40Gb/s over 2 meters of 30AWG copper cable, which is twice the distance achievable with passive cables.
At CES 2023, ACON together with Mo-Link is demonstrating a 2-meter Thunderbolt 4 ACC connecting between an Apple MacBook Pro and an LG 40'' Curved UltraWide 5K2K Nano IPS monitor with Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.
Mo-Link is showcasing the Thunderbolt 4 cable, as well as other innovative connectivity technology, under the brand name "Storhm," its retail brand for the North American market.
The CES demonstration is to be found in CES booth #18934 this week at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
QUOTES
"We are extremely pleased to be working with ACON and Mo-Link on this new ACC application using our innovative GaugeChanger technology. ACON is a well-known technology leading manufacturer of electronic connectors and cable assemblies and Mo-Link is a leading global provider of connectivity solutions. Together, they supply a wide range of interconnection solutions to customers around the globe."
-- Spectra7 CMO John Mitchell
"Spectra7 continues its leadership in helping to drive the future of active copper cable (ACC) interconnects in the consumer market, and we are proud to be collaborating with both companies to enable next-generation high-speed solutions. We believe our customers will see significant value in active versions of our Thunderbolt 4 cables with Spectra7's GC2502."
-- Gordon Yen, General Manager at ACON USA
"We are thrilled to be partnering with Spectra7 and ACON to bring the Thunderbolt 4 Active Copper Cable to market. Our goal is to make it easy and affordable for anyone to access the latest and greatest in interconnection technology. This partnership allows us to do just that, and we are confident that the Thunderbolt 4 Active Copper Cable will be a great value to our product offerings. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Spectra7 and ACON and can't wait to see what the future holds for all of us."
-- Michael Wang, CEO of Mo-Link