The terahertz regime, running from 300 to 3,000 GHz, provides large benefits when compared with conventional optical technologies. AttoTude’s non-legacy technology provides transmission speeds of at least 224Gb/s. This outstanding feature combined with its unique architecture provides an unmatched solution for the most demanding modern data centers challenged by ever-increasing traffic burdens. The company previously demonstrated this capability with a successful 4-meter transmission at 970 GHz during the Optical Fiber Communications Conference held last April.
Innovative Technology Components
AttoTude’s system architecture consists of three key components: a digital interface that connects directly with GPUs, a terahertz-frequency generator that produces the necessary signals, and a mixer that encodes data onto the terahertz signal for transmission. This level of integration makes high-bandwidth, low-latency communication between processing units incredibly easy. This is something increasingly critical as cutting edge companies like Nvidia push these limits.
The terahertz-signal generator is the crown jewel of the system. Not only does it transmit data at faster speeds never seen before, it guarantees the reliability of that transmission. Dave Welch, AttoTude’s CEO, noted the value of this cutting-edge technology to today’s high-performance computing environments. He stated, “Customers love fiber. What they hate is the photonics,” highlighting a common challenge in optical communication systems.
AttoTude has created some proprietary components that give them a unique and competitive advantage. They’ve created several generations of waveguides tailored for terahertz frequencies. These photonic waveguides increase both the efficiency and distance of data transmission. Second, they provide you with a competitive advantage in the crowded data center technology market.
Competitive Landscape
Data centers are changing quickly to accommodate this increasing demand. At the same time, private firms are making major strides in high-speed data transmission technologies. Credo has developed a really cool high-end Active Electrical Cable (AEC). This state-of-the-art cable provides 800 Gb/s up to 7 meters. As Don Barnetson, Senior Vice President and Head of Product at Credo said, “We’ve done a lot to create robust copper connections.” He feels these foundational connections are critical before hopping ahead to more futuristic technologies.
“You start with passive copper, and you do everything you can to run in passive copper as long as you can.” – Don Barnetson
Another major player worth mentioning is Point2 Technology. They’ve rolled out their e-Tube cable, which carries data at a staggering 1.6 terabits per second. This innovative cable comprises eight slender polymer waveguides, each capable of carrying 448 Gb/s using two frequencies: 90 GHz and 225 GHz. Point2’s e-Tube cable has an actual cross-sectional area that is 50% smaller than standard 32-gauge copper cables. It can outreach those very same conventional cables by 20 times!
Business is moving faster than ever, and the competitive landscape requires that companies innovate and move faster. They need to continue to stay ahead of growing bandwidth needs and performance standards.
Future Implications for Data Centers
The implications of AttoTude’s advancements are profound. Data center operators are facing increasing congestion concerns. As usage continues to increase and systems adopt more and more GPUs, getting the most out of them has never been more important. AttoTude’s combination of technologies not only addresses bandwidth needs but enhances reliability, an essential factor as companies invest heavily in infrastructure.
Finally, Dave Welch made the point that electronics are fundamentally more reliable than optics. This understanding may cause a significant number of data center operators to prefer terahertz technology over established optical systems. He further commented on the tactical utility of being able to function beyond the limits of conventional optical wavelengths.
“If I didn’t have to be at [an optical wavelength], where should I be?” – Dave Welch
For this reason companies are looking for alternatives that give them speed and reliability. This shift is part of a larger move away from the strictures of optical technology.