#United States #Santa Clara #Data Centers #OpenLight #Photonic Integrated Circuit

OpenLight Unveils 1.6Tb DR8 Photonic Integrated Circuit

OpenLight, a pioneer in custom PASIC chip design, has stepped into the spotlight with its latest offering—the 1.6Tb DR8 Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC). This innovative product, based on heterogeneously integrated silicon photonics technology, has been designed to optimize data rates significantly. By handling 1.6 terabits of data at an impressive rate of 200G per lane, it meets the escalating demands of modern datacenter networking and artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

Reducing Complexity and Enhancing Efficiency

The newly launched PIC is built on Tower Semiconductor's PH18DA process, which utilizes OpenLight's proprietary 1310nm Distributed Feedback (DFB) lasers and InP-based 224G electro-absorption modulators (EAMs). This design minimizes power consumption and costs by allowing for a higher level of integration compared to traditional technologies, thus addressing the current challenges in the market, primarily characterized by tight supply chains and pressing time-to-market issues.

The PIC is positioned to alleviate some critical operational constraints. By eliminating the need for external continuous wave (CW) laser sources, it simplifies the packaging requirements, thus streamlining the production process. This results in a significant reduction of development cycles, which translates into lower operational expenditures (OPEX) and capital expenditures (CAPEX) for companies utilizing these transceiver modules.

Technological Advantages

With a coupling efficiency of 90% between the active elements and the silicon waveguide, and the low drive swing achieved by the InP EAM modulator, the 1.6Tb PIC operates with a power consumption of less than 2.7 watts when subjected to 80°C. This remarkable efficiency is pivotal for organizations striving to manage energy costs and environmental impact, especially in the context of sprawling datacenter ecosystems.

Essentially, the new PIC integrates four DFB lasers, eight 224G modulators, and eight Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers (SOAs). Furthermore, it features a unique architecture that supports flexibility, enabling it to operate at 800G speeds and promising potential for future advancement to support 3.2Tb data rates at 400G per lane.

Customer-Centric Innovations

Kevin Granucci, OpenLight's Vice President of Sales and Marketing, emphasized the increasing customer demand for DFB-based solutions. He stated, “We’ve seen a strong desire from our customers for DFB-based solutions for easier control and minimizing transceiver bill of material cost.” The integration of the DFB laser component into the 1.6Tb DR8 PIC marks a significant milestone for OpenLight, poised to deliver innovative and high-performance solutions to the datacenter and AI sectors.

Currently, OpenLight has samples available for customers to evaluate, with bare die offered immediately. Additionally, an evaluation board featuring an integrated flip-chip 1.6Tb DR8 PIC and modulator driver is expected by the end of March 2025. Beta samples aimed at module and transceiver qualification are anticipated to be ready by Q3 2025.

Invitation to Explore

For professionals keen on exploring OpenLight’s latest innovations, the company invites attendance at the OFC conference, scheduled from April 1-3, 2025, at Booth #4231. Participants can expect hands-on insights into the workings and advantages of the newly unveiled PIC.

Company Overview

OpenLight stands as a leading force in the domain of custom PASIC chip design, specializing in the integration of all necessary components within silicon photonics devices. Headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, with a presence in Silicon Valley, OpenLight boasts a robust portfolio of over 350 patents, driving significant advancements in telecommunications, data communications, healthcare, AI, and beyond. Their dedication to enhancing performance, power efficiency, and reliability in optical solutions positions them at the forefront of the industry’s technological evolution. For further insights, visit www.openlightphotonics.com and learn more about their cutting-edge contributions.