Editing by Kate Yuan

Suzhou Xilian Optical Microelectronics Technology held a groundbreaking ceremony in Zhangjiagang, eastern China’s Jiangsu Province in late December for building the country’s first silicon photonic chips and packaging and testing line, Suzhou Daily reported.

Xilian Optical Microelectronics (熹联光芯) successfully acquired Germany-based Sicoya, an industry-leading silicon photonics company with the production line after 14 months’ efforts, and decided to reassemble it in Zhangjiagang Economic Development Zone. The production line is planned to be completed and put into operation in the second quarter of 2022.

Sicoya was founded in January 2015. The company’s main business is the R&D, manufacturing, and sales of silicon photonic chips, optoelectronic chips, optoelectronic devices, and optical modules. Its silicon photonic chips for telecommunications and data communication integrate both photonics and electronics on one chip, which can significantly increase the transmission rate and greatly reduce the cost, power, and size.

Xilian Optical Microelectronics was founded in July 2020. Its 100G optical modules have achieved mass production, and the 400G optical engines and optical modules have entered the sample testing stage. The company will continue to increase R&D investment and establish a global R&D center and manufacturing base in silicon photonics technology.