News

22 March 2010

 

Avago’s miniature embedded parallel optics T/R modules provide 150Gb/s for short-range datacom and interconnect apps

Avago Technologies, which designs and supplies analog semiconductor devices (with a focus on III-V based products), has developed what it claims is one of the most compact low-cost, high-bandwidth parallel optic solution for short-range data and communication interconnect applications. 

The miniature 12-channel embedded MicroPOD parallel optics transmitter and receiver modules support lane rates of up to 12.5Gb/s for an aggregate bandwidth of up to 150Gb/s, enabling higher-density interconnect solutions than previously possible with other embedded or edge-mount pluggable optical or electrical interconnect solutions.  

Avago says that its compact transmitter and receiver modules will pave the way in the development of next-generation supercomputers, networking switches and routers used in data centers, and in science, research and entertainment industries. Versatile design solutions are possible, as the MicroPOD modules support data rates of 1–12.5Gb/s in addition to being compliant to IBTA 12xQDR Infiniband and IEEE 802.3ba 100GBASE-SR10 specifications.

Historically, the dominant form factors in embedded computing have been SNAP12 and POP4, with speeds up to 3.125Gb/s per lane. Next-generation computing, switching, and routing systems will require Terabytes of interconnect between nodes. Avago’s MicoPOD modules are therefore designed to offer density that extends bandwidth capacity to 12.5Gb/s per lane in a highly compact form factor. With dimensions of 7.8mm by 8.2mm by 3.9mm, the modules incorporate Avago’s VCSEL and PIN array technology and IC technologies to optimize electrical signal integrity and optical performance. Signal integrity is further improved with the use of a micro LGA electrical interface to the host board.   

US Conec’s miniature detachable PRIZM LightTurn connector — developed specifically for the MicroPOD receiver and transmitter modules — provides the passive optical connection and enables dense tiling of the modules on the host printed circuit board. Use of the PRIZM LightTurn connector in combination with US Conec’s MTP brand MPO-style connector provides a significant increase in card edge port density compared to serial and parallel edge-mount pluggable solutions. This solution from US Conec enables simple, low-cost termination that requires no polishing of fibers and easy testing, while providing good coupling to Avago's modules, the firm says.  

Avago is demonstrating its MicroPOD parallel optics solution at this week’s OFC/NFOEC Conference in San Diego, CA, USA (23–25 March).

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