Key Findings
Mixx Technologies is deploying the SxC Connector, the connectivity layer of its HBxIO platform, to address the reliability and density challenges of near-package optics. The connector achieves a typical fiber-to-fiber loss of 0.2 dB and a maximum loss of under 0.5 dB. Designed for hyperscale AI infrastructure, the SxC Connector supports high-radix networks, allowing up to 24,576 fibers in a single Open Compute Project (OCP) rack unit, which is four times the density of MMC.
Technical Details
The SxC Connector utilizes an expanded-beam design to mitigate the vulnerabilities of physical-contact connectors. While physical-contact systems rely on a 9-micron core susceptible to dust and oil, expanded-beam optics widen the beam to approximately 80 microns across an air gap. According to the Expanded Beam Optics Multi-Source Agreement (EBO MSA), this approach results in an 85% reduction in installation and cleaning time and a 20x reduction in mating force.
To resolve industry bottlenecks in fiber termination, Mixx applies semiconductor assembly techniques to enable high-throughput production. Furthermore, Mixx is developing an Open CPX module that pairs the HBxIO optical engine with a detachable SxC connector, allowing the engine and fiber to be tested and replaced independently in the field.
Background and Context
The industry is transitioning toward co-packaged optics, with “near-package optics”—placing optics inside the box next to the host chip—as the current critical step. Data from ECOC 2026 indicates that 80% of network issues are cleaning-related and 95% of maintenance requests involve cleaning. Because connectors inside the box are harder to access, the EBO MSA was created in March 2026 to develop open, interoperable specifications, including a 128-fiber design specification.
Significance and Outlook
Higher radix reduces the number of switching layers required for all-to-all connectivity in AI inference, lowering latency and power consumption. By minimizing loss at the connector level, Mixx provides architectural headroom and economic advantages for hyperscalers moving optics deeper into the network.
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