GigaDevice has expanded its optical communications portfolio with the launch of two new microcontroller series, GD32E512 and GD32E252, aimed at strengthening control solutions for next-generation optical modules amid rising demand from AI data centers and telecom networks.
The semiconductor company, which develops Flash memory, 32-bit MCUs, sensors, and analog products, said the new devices are designed to serve both high-speed and low-speed optical module applications. The launch reinforces its long-term focus on optical communications, a segment it has actively developed since 2018.
GigaDevice introduced its first optical module MCU in 2018. The product quickly scaled to million-unit shipments in the same year. By 2022, cumulative shipments had reached tens of millions, placing the company among established global suppliers in the optical module ecosystem.
The GD32E512 series targets high-speed optical module designs. It is based on an Arm Cortex-M33 core running at up to 120 MHz. It includes I3C support for higher bandwidth and lower latency communication. These features align with growing performance requirements in optical interconnects used in data centers and telecom infrastructure.
The series is also built for compact designs. It comes in a 3×3 mm package. This supports miniaturization trends in optical modules. It integrates multiple peripherals, including I²C, MDIO, ADCs, DACs, comparators, and operational amplifiers. These functions support monitoring, control, and system management within optical modules. They also reduce the need for external components.
The GD32E252 series is designed for low-speed optical module applications. It uses an Arm Cortex-M23 core. It focuses on low power consumption, stable performance, and analog efficiency. It is aimed at access networks and industrial optical communication systems.
The device includes compact packaging, wide-temperature operation, and strong EMC performance. These features help simplify system design and reduce development complexity for manufacturers.
GigaDevice said the two series expand its coverage across optical communication use cases. These range from high-speed data center interconnects to cost-sensitive network deployments.
The company noted that demand for optical connectivity is increasing due to AI workloads and cloud expansion. Data traffic growth is driving upgrades in optical interconnect technologies across global infrastructure.
GigaDevice said it will continue investing in optical communication technologies. It will also expand its MCU portfolio. The company aims to support next-generation networks through integrated semiconductor solutions and stable global supply capabilities.
