Optical Interconnection Technology for the Next Generation Supercomputers

This article describes the new optical interconnection technology which would be indispensable to realize high throughput supercomputer. To achieve 20 Gbps signal transmission between two LSIs of the supercomputer, we have developed every necessary component of optical interconnect system such as vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL), PIN-photodiodes (PD), electrical transmission line, driver IC and receiver IC. Each device is designed to optimize high speed signal characteristics of throughout transmission system. With these components total transmission system between two LSIs is developed and 20-Gbps 100 m signal transmission is successfully demonstrated. This transmission system is applicable to actual supercomputer.