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Connection cube modules for optical backplanes and fiber networks
Applied Optics
|July 10, 1997
Summary
A novel modular free-space optical system, the connection cube, enables bidirectional data transfer for processing nodes. This optical interconnect technology scales to connect 14 nodes, offering 112 Gbits/s capacity with low power consumption.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Optical Interconnects
- Free-Space Optics
Background:
- Traditional interconnects face limitations in bandwidth and scalability.
- Modular optical systems are crucial for high-performance computing and data centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a modular free-space optical system, the connection cube.
- To assess its potential as a building block for optical backplanes and interconnect networks.
Main Methods:
- Development of a modular connection cube system.
- Experimental setup for connecting four processing nodes.
- Analysis of alignment, packaging, dimensional requirements, and scaling.
Main Results:
- The connection cube facilitates bidirectional data transfer between processing nodes.
- Experimental validation addressed alignment and packaging challenges.
- Scaling analysis indicates potential for connecting up to 14 nodes.
Conclusions:
- The connection cube is a viable modular building block for optical interconnects.
- Adapted for vertical-cavity surface-emitting-laser (VCSEL) links, it achieves 112 Gbits/s at 19.6 W.
- Demonstrates significant potential for future high-capacity, low-power optical networks.
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