SmartSens and Unisoc team up on MicroLED optical interconnect to cut AI cluster power use

SmartSens and Unisoc have announced a strategic partnership to develop MicroLED high-speed optical interconnect solutions. They aim to provide domestic alternatives for short-distance, high-speed connections in AI computing clusters. MicroLED CPO uses a wide, slow parallel architecture with hundreds of low-speed optical channels, cutting energy use to 5% of copper cables. Unisoc brings AI computing and high-speed SerDes tech, while SmartSens contributes photonics. The solution targets AI data centers, smart vehicles, and industrial robots.