Performance analysis of 200G transceivers for next-generation intra-datacenter VCSEL-MMF links

Area of Science:

• Data Center Interconnects
• Optical Communications
• High-Speed Networking

Background:

• Large language models (LLMs) drive unprecedented demand for data center capacity, size, and power efficiency.
• Photonic technologies, particularly optical links, are essential for scaling intra-datacenter connections.
• Current 100G per lane solutions face limitations, necessitating advancements for higher throughput.

Purpose of the Study:

• Define requirements for next-generation 200G transceivers (TRX).
• Evaluate modulation formats and equalization strategies for 200G TRXs.
• Assess the reach performance of 200G TRXs over OM3 and OM4 fibers.

Main Methods:

• Statistical study analyzing a large dataset of OM3 and OM4 fiber performance.
• Evaluation of various modulation formats and equalization techniques.
• Analysis of transceiver design and fabrication challenges for 200G speeds.

Main Results:

• Maximum reach of 20m for OM3 fiber and 30m for OM4 fiber at all Short Wavelength Division Multiplexing (SWDM) wavelengths.
• Identified key requirements for 200G TRX design and fabrication.
• Validated the feasibility of 200G per lane optical links for intra-datacenter applications.

Conclusions:

• The study provides critical insights into the requirements and limitations of 200G optical transceivers for data centers.
• Achieving 200G per lane is feasible within specific reach constraints on OM3 and OM4 fibers.
• This research supports the continued evolution of high-speed optical interconnects essential for AI and LLM workloads.