#USA #Silicon Photonics #OpenLight #Tower Semiconductor #Santa Clara, California

Groundbreaking Achievement in Optical Communication

In an impressive leap forward for data center technology, OpenLight has partnered with Tower Semiconductor to demonstrate the capabilities of their new 400G/lane modulator built on an innovative silicon photonic wafer platform. This achievement marks a significant advancement in optical connectivity, catering to the escalating demand for high-speed data transfer in cloud computing and artificial intelligence applications.

A Paradigm Shift in Data Transmission

The collaboration between OpenLight, recognized globally for its expertise in custom Passive Silicon Photonic Integrated Circuits (PASIC), and Tower Semiconductor, a leader in analog semiconductor solutions, showcases their commitment to meeting the requirements of next-generation optical communication architectures. The 400G modulation technology operates effectively at a drive voltage of 0.6 volts peak-to-peak and achieves an impressive extinction ratio better than 3.5dB using the standard PAM-4 modulation format.

Scaling Up to 3.2Tb Solutions

The new modulator is designed to fit seamlessly into existing silicon photonics platforms that currently support 100G and 200G operations, paving the way to scalable solutions from 100G up to 400G per lane. This transition is crucial as the industry moves towards higher bandwidth performance, particularly in environments demanding rapid data exchange, such as in AI and machine learning applications.

By utilizing Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) technology, this innovation not only enhances data transfer speeds but also provides a commercially viable pathway for upcoming 3.2 Terabit (Tb) solutions and beyond. This adaptability is particularly beneficial in an era where data capability is often bottlenecked by outdated modulation technologies.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Current silicon-based modulators have struggled to achieve 400G bit rates, highlighting the necessity for more effective and cost-efficient solutions. The heterogeneously integrated devices introduced through this collaboration offer critical advantages—compactness, high bandwidth, low voltage requirements, and easier manufacturability—all within a silicon photonic framework.

Moreover, this integrated approach supports the inclusion of lasers and optical amplifiers, consolidating multiple components into a single, highly efficient photonic integrated circuit (PIC). As highlighted by Dr. Adam Carter, CEO of OpenLight, this advancement not only future-proofs existing designs but minimizes the hurdles related to design and market readiness.

A Strategic Collaboration

The partnership has also been praised by Russell Ellwanger, CEO of Tower Semiconductor, who emphasized the potential of their PH18DA platform to support higher performance while reducing reliance on complex integration methods traditionally employed in optical communication systems such as Thin Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) and polymers.

Looking Ahead

As the demand for faster, more reliable data communication continues to grow, OpenLight and Tower Semiconductor are at the forefront of pioneering technologies in silicon photonics. With plans to showcase this cutting-edge solution at the upcoming OFC Conference in April 2025, they are set to engage industry stakeholders keen on enhancing their data transmission capabilities.

Both companies are driven by a vision of pushing the limits of optical technology to create solutions that will influence telecom, datacom, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and optical computing in previously unimaginable ways. The implications of their findings reach far beyond the immediate landscape, promising to establish a robust foundation for future innovations in the optical communications market.

For more insights and detailed technical discussions, visit OpenLight at booth #4231 and Tower at booth #3222 at the OFC Conference.

About the Companies

OpenLight leads the industry in developing custom PASIC designs, integrating all elements of silicon photonics to achieve higher reliability and power efficiency. Meanwhile, Tower Semiconductor focuses on advancing analog semiconductor technologies, delivering customizable platforms for a wide array of applications across diverse markets.