Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) announced the BCM68850, a 50G PON home gateway system-on-chip that integrates a neural processing unit and Wi-Fi 8 compatibility. The company stated this completes what it describes as an end-to-end 50G PON portfolio for broadband networks.

The BCM68850 features symmetric 50G throughput capabilities and includes a dedicated CPU for third-party applications and an integrated NPU for edge AI inference processing. The chip supports Wi-Fi 8 standards and incorporates security features including Post-Quantum Cryptography.

"The BCM68850 is a defining milestone for global fiber networks; we are reshaping the broadband edge as the central intelligence hub of the home," said Philip Radtke, vice president of product marketing for Broadcom's Wireless and Broadband Communications Division.

The chip works with Broadcom's existing BCM68660 optical line terminal and can be paired with either the BCM55050 optical network terminal or used as a customer premises equipment gateway. According to the company, this architecture optimizes CPU and memory resources for AI applications.

Jaimie Lenderman, practice leader for Optical, IP, and Broadband Infrastructure market research at Omdia, noted that operators are upgrading to 50G PON capability to meet bandwidth demands. "Next-generation solutions such as Broadcom's BCM68850 SoC are critical to unlocking the value of this investment," Lenderman said.

Broadcom is currently sampling the BCM68850 and BCM55050 to early access customers and partners. The company stated that interested parties should contact their local Broadcom sales representative for samples and pricing information.