Parallel optic modules for interconnect purposes

Avago Technologies claims that it has developed a compact, low-cost, high-bandwidth parallel optic solution for short-range data and communication interconnect applications.

The company's miniature 12-channel embedded Micropod parallel optics transmitter and receiver modules support lane rates of up to 12.5Gbit/sec for an aggregate bandwidth of up to 150Gbps.

The modules are said to enable higher-density interconnect solutions than previous embedded or edge-mount pluggable optical or electrical interconnect solutions.

According to Avago, its compact transmitter and receiver modules will pave the way in the development of next-generation supercomputers, networking switches and routers used in data centres, as well as in science, research and entertainment industries.

Versatile design solutions are possible as the Micropod modules support data rates from 1Gbps to 12.5Gbps, 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 of up to 3.125Gbps per lane.

Next-generation computing, switching and routing systems will require terabytes of interconnect between nodes.

Avago's Micopod modules, which have been designed to meet this need, offer good density to extend bandwidth capacity to 12.5Gbps per lane in a compact form factor.

With dimensions of 7.8mm in length, 8.2mm in width and 3.9mm in height, the modules incorporate Avago's VCSEL and PIN array technology and IC technologies for superior 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 Avago's Micropod receiver and transmitter modules, provides the passive optical connection and enables the dense tiling of the modules on the host printed circuit board.

The use of the Prizm Lightturn connector, in combination with US Conec's MTP-brand MPO-style connector, provides an increase in card edge port density compared with serial and parallel edge-mount pluggable solutions.

This solution from US Conec enables low-cost termination, which requires no polishing of fibres, and simple testing, while coupling to Avago's modules.

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