Parallel fiber optical bus technology-a cost performance breakthrough

Recent paradigm shifts in computing system design and in data communication switching center design are driving the need for high performance interframe interconnections. Performance requirements are for data rates of GigaBytes/sec over distances of tens to a few hundred meters. An essential requirement for optical implementations to be used is to be cost competitive to copper wire data interconnects. Recent breakthroughs in high wafer yield of complex OEICs, the adaption of IC module packing to optical devices, and designing for relaxed tolerance in assembly is making possible the potential of offering GigaByte/sec data buses at a cost well below $100/Gbit/sec, a factor of 10-100 times lower than telecommunications fiber optic link technology. IBM´s involvement in the NIST-sponsored Jitney project and the ARPA-sponsored OETC project (both multicompany programs) are used to illustrate these technology developments $the chips, packaging, cabling, design and testing tools, and system level testbeds are described.