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The article focuses on the physical limitations of copper interconnects driving a necessary shift toward optical solutions like NPO/CPO, which is a critical infrastructure development for scaling AI data centers. This transition directly impacts the supply chain for high-precision passive components and optical engines essential for next-generation AI hardware.

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CITIC Securities: Scaling Up 'Optical In, Copper Out' is an Inevitable Trend; NPO/CPO Drives Revaluation of Passive Components

36KrOctober 12, 20261 min read

36Kr reports that a CITIC Securities research note states copper interconnects are approaching their physical limits, making the scaling up of 'optical in, copper out' an inevitable trend. The shift to NPO/CPO is driving a revaluation of passive components. In terms of volume, FAUs form a 1:1 rigid pairing with optical engines, with usage expanding purely as a result of scaling up. Regarding pricing, four layers of premium—high channel count, advanced processes, fiber optics, and pluggability—are driving up FAU prices within NPO/CPO solutions. Domestic passive component manufacturers are securing overseas top-tier clients through OEM partnerships or cooperation, with the core barrier to entry for FAUs lying in high-precision manufacturing and scalable delivery.

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