Massively parallel processing: optical interconnects according to a system to device approach

Despite the undisputable success in the telecommunication area, applications of optical interconnect techniques to the crate-to-crate, node-to-node, chip-to-chip and gate-to-gate level within a Massively Parallel Computer architecture have still failed to materialize. Questions, such as whether to choose for a serial ultra-high or a parallel moderate data throughput rate, always considering a logic-to-logic approach, are still not adequately answered. An unavoidable number of thresholds a computer manufacturer has to conquer, in case a decision has to be made whether to choose for an electrical or optical solution. An overall system-to-device observation eases in a solution of this dilemma. The authors overview the R & D exertions of the Opto Electronic Systems and Engineering Group of the Delft University of Technology with respect to the development of an Optical Backplane System, enabling a free space data transport in a Massively Parallel Processing environment