26-12-2012, 01:02 PM
Intel photonics link hits 50 Gbps
[attachment=45263]
INTRODUCTION
Intel researchers have developed a silicon-based, optical data connection prototype capable of transferring up to 50 gigabits per second.
Currently, computer components are linked to each other via copper cables or traces on circuit boards. However, metals such as copper are prone to signal degradation when transferring data over long distances.
computers - forcing processors, memory and other components - to be placed just inches from each other.
But Intel's silicon-based optical data connection could eventually allow the industry to replace traditional connections with extremely thin and light optical fibers capable of transferring gigabits of data over long distances.
According to Intel CTO Justin Rattner, silicon photonics will likely have multiple applications across the computing industry.
"For example, at these data rates one could imagine a wall-sized 3D display for home entertainment and videoconferencing with a resolution so high that the actors or family members appear to be in the room with you.
"And tomorrow's datacenter or supercomputer may see components spread
throughout a building or even an entire campus, communicating with each other at high speed, as opposed to being confined by heavy copper cables with limited capacity and reach."
Rattner explained that a silicon photonic-based data center would allow datacenter users - including search engine companies or cloud computing providers - to increase performance, while saving significant costs in space and energy.
[attachment=45263]
INTRODUCTION
Intel researchers have developed a silicon-based, optical data connection prototype capable of transferring up to 50 gigabits per second.
Currently, computer components are linked to each other via copper cables or traces on circuit boards. However, metals such as copper are prone to signal degradation when transferring data over long distances.
computers - forcing processors, memory and other components - to be placed just inches from each other.
But Intel's silicon-based optical data connection could eventually allow the industry to replace traditional connections with extremely thin and light optical fibers capable of transferring gigabits of data over long distances.
According to Intel CTO Justin Rattner, silicon photonics will likely have multiple applications across the computing industry.
"For example, at these data rates one could imagine a wall-sized 3D display for home entertainment and videoconferencing with a resolution so high that the actors or family members appear to be in the room with you.
"And tomorrow's datacenter or supercomputer may see components spread
throughout a building or even an entire campus, communicating with each other at high speed, as opposed to being confined by heavy copper cables with limited capacity and reach."
Rattner explained that a silicon photonic-based data center would allow datacenter users - including search engine companies or cloud computing providers - to increase performance, while saving significant costs in space and energy.