Time-division optical communications in multiprocessor arrays

An optical communication structure is proposed for multiprocessor arrays which exploits the high communication bandwidth of optical waveguides. The structure takes advantage of two properties of optical signal transmissions on waveguides, namely, unidirectional propagation and predictable propagation delays per unit length. Because of these two properties, time-division multiplexing (TDM) of messages has the same effect as message pipelining on optical waveguides. Two TDM approaches are proposed, and the combination of the two is used in the design of the optical communication structure. Analysis and simulation results are given to demonstrate the communication effectiveness of the system. A clock distribution method is proposed to address potential synchronization problems. Feasibility issues with current and future technologies are discussed