From Silicon to Scale: The Road to Innovation with Synopsys 224G PHY IP

Introduction

The exponential growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), has drastically transformed computing requirements. At the core of this transformation lies a foundational challenge: how to enable massive amounts of high-speed data transfer between chips. As data center workloads scale and AI models grow in complexity, the need for next-generation chip-to-chip interconnects becomes critical.

This is where Synopsys 224G PHY IP steps in—ushering in a new era of ultra-high-speed connectivity, enabling scalable AI compute infrastructure, and redefining what’s possible in advanced data centers.

Why 224G PHY Matters

The operation of LLMs depends heavily on the communication bandwidth between AI accelerators. Larger bandwidth means faster training, real-time inferencing, and more efficient scaling of AI workloads.

Earlier, 56G and 112G PHYs powered state-of-the-art interconnects. But with the advent of 224G PHY, bandwidth and latency bottlenecks are being systematically removed. This new generation of physical layer IP is not just a faster version of its predecessor—it's a critical enabler of high-performance data center architecture that supports LLMs, hyperscale computing, and cloud infrastructure.

224G PHY is the technology behind the next wave of Ethernet, including 1.6 Terabit (1.6T) networking and UALink 200G, enabling seamless, high-throughput, low-latency communication between components at scale.

Proven Innovation from Synopsys

Building robust PHY IP isn’t just about raw speed; it’s also about interoperability, reliability, and scalability. Having worked with high-speed SerDes IP during the era of 56G development, I know firsthand the challenges involved—especially ensuring that IP can operate consistently across temperature, voltage, and diverse system configurations.

Synopsys has a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, silicon-proven IP. Its 56G IP was widely deployed down to the 12nm process node. The 112G IP followed suit, validated in multiple production designs between 7nm and 3nm. Now, with 224G PHY IP, Synopsys has extended its track record into the next frontier.

Milestones That Matter

In September 2022, Synopsys demonstrated the world’s first 224G SerDes IP at ECOC 2022 in Basel, Switzerland. This demo marked a significant moment—the transition of 224G PHY from concept to reality.

Since that milestone, Synopsys has consistently showcased its 224G PHY at major industry events such as:

• DesignCon

• Optical Fiber Communication Conference (OFC)

• ECOC

• TSMC Technology Symposium

These demonstrations validate that Synopsys 224G PHY IP is the most widely interoperable solution available today, supporting VSR, LR, and optical channels with leading-edge performance.

Further validation came with the release of the characterization report for Synopsys 224G PHY IP on TSMC’s 3nm process, confirming its readiness for production-scale deployment.

Technical Insights and Industry Applications

For those seeking a deeper understanding, Synopsys provides a comprehensive, interactive video titled “How Synopsys 224G IP is Enabling the Future of 1.6T Networking and UALink 200G.”

In this discussion, Magaly Sandoval, Product & Solutions Program Manager, interviews Priyank Shukla, Product Director for Ethernet and UAL IP Portfolio at Synopsys. They explore the engineering challenges and milestones from 56G to 112G to 224G, detailing:

• The evolution of Ethernet standards

• Development challenges at 3nm and 2nm nodes

• Interoperability concerns and validation processes

• Standardization efforts in the 224G ecosystem

These insights offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at how innovation at the IP level directly impacts system-level performance and market readiness.

Live Demonstrations and Partner Collaborations

In addition to theoretical development and lab testing, Synopsys 224G PHY IP has been showcased in real-world demonstrations. At DesignCon 2025, Synopsys and its ecosystem partners—including Keysight, Samtec, Yamaichi, and Foxconn Interconnect Technology—presented integrated product demos featuring 224G PHY IP.

These collaborative showcases underscore the ecosystem-wide validation of Synopsys' IP in high-speed optical and electrical systems, reinforcing confidence in its deployment at scale.

Conclusion: Paving the Future of High-Bandwidth Computing

The road to scalable, AI-driven innovation runs through the heart of high-speed interconnects. As LLMs and cloud computing platforms continue to push the boundaries of performance, interconnect technology must evolve to meet the challenge.

With 224G PHY IP, Synopsys is not only keeping pace but leading the charge—offering a solution that is validated, interoperable, and ready to support the future of 1.6T networking, 3nm chip designs, and beyond.

For organizations aiming to build the next generation of AI and networking infrastructure, Synopsys 224G PHY IP represents a foundational building block from silicon to scale.

Source - Semiwiki