EMCORE powers up computing with fiber-optic-based connect cables

JUNE 16, 2008 -- EMCORE Corp. (search for EMCORE), which provides compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the broadband, fiber-optic, satellite, and terrestrial solar power markets, has announced sampling and demo of 40-Gbit/sec fiber-optic transceiver-based cables that will be showcased with Mellanox's switches and adapters in the Intel booth at the International Supercomputing Conference in Dresden, Germany, June 17-19.

EMCORE Connects Cables, formerly Intel Connects Cables and recently acquired from Intel Corp., are specifically designed for high-performance computing (HPC) and other large data center applications. The 40-Gbit/sec QSFP (search for QSFP) cables are currently sampling and will be commercially available beginning 2009 to support the deployment of large Petaflop-scale HPC clusters. EMCORE is currently offering 20-Gbit/sec cables with transmission distances up to 30 m. This new line of 40-Gbit/sec products offers faster links and longer transmission, lighter weight, and more reliable performance than the traditional copper cable interconnects, according to the company:

• 1- to 100-m lengths for large Teraflop and Petaflop size clusters.
• The QDR (quad data rate) cables offer 40-Gbit/sec transmission data rate to supplement the available 10- and 20-Gbit/sec offerings.
• At 84% lighter and 83% smaller than 24 arrayed waveguide (AWG) copper interconnects, the connect cables improve airflow and system cooling while reducing system installation and maintenance costs.
• Extremely low bit-error rates (BER) of 10^-15 mean fewer dropped packets, dead links, and longer uptimes on clusters.

Stephen Krasulick, vice president and general manager of EMCORE Digital Products, says, "We have worked with Mellanox Technologies closely on the testing of these products and are extremely pleased to be able to publicly demonstrate their capabilities with the new 40-Gbit/sec Mellanox ConnectX adapters. EMCORE foresees a rapid growth of the optical fiber interconnect market with the adoption of 40-Gbit/sec data rates and the move to huge Petascale systems."

"We are excited to see EMCORE showcase their 40-Gbit/sec InfiniBand cables," says Thad Omura, vice president of product marketing at Mellanox. "Cables like these from EMCORE expand the reach of our ConnectX adapters and systems based on the InfiniScale IV 40-Gbit/sec InfiniBand switch silicon, and will make it easier to build large clusters that support state-of-the-art commercial and scientific HPC applications."

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