Avago Technologies collaborates with IBM on high-bandwidth optical interconnect for supercomputers
MARCH 22, 2010 -- Avago Technologies, a supplier of analog interface components for communications, industrial, and consumer applications, has introduced what it asserts is a fast, energy-efficient embedded fiber-optic interconnect technology that could eventually replace copper as the optimal means to handle the high-speed requirements of supercomputers.
Avago's miniature 12-channel parallel optic transmitter and receiver modules, designed in collaboration with IBM, are capable of handling data rates up to 120 Gbps -- a transfer rate that is two times faster than current data rates, Avago says.
The first of these micro-parallel modules have been designed specifically for IBM and will first appear in the company's POWER7 supercomputing systems.
Avago says the micro-parallel optics modules created for next-generation IBM POWER7 systems feature the smallest form factors in the industry and incorporate a highly integrated package for dense tiling of the modules in the host system. The embedded optics provided enables improved system performance via superior signal integrity, thermal management, and EMI design, says a company representative.
Details of the new interconnect technology are being presented by Avago and IBM during sessions at the 2010 OFC/NFOEC in San Diego through March 25.