10 Gb/s packet switching using custom and commercial GaAs ICs

A programmable 10-Gb/s throughput switch core testbed has been constructed to evaluate technologies and architectures suitable for future broadband packet switching systems. Eight input channels carrying asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) packetized data are switched through a crosspoint to circuits which check for routing and data errors. Four custom GaAs ICs, six commercial GaAs ICs, and numerous emitter-coupled logic (ECL) and transistor-transistor logic (TTL) parts were used, occupying three 10-in*12-in fiberglass boards interconnected by fiber optic links. System bit error rates better than 10/sup -15/ have been measured. An important conclusion is that such a system can be developed using essentially traditional design and packaging methods.<>