AttoTude and Point2 Technology, two of the most innovative startups in the IEEE Entrepreneurship ecosystem, are developing interesting new approaches to smarter connectivity solutions for data centers. Each firm is the inventor behind original technologies that bridge long stretches of existing copper cable with optical fiber. At the same time, they’re developing new features that will change the efficiency of how data is sent. AttoTude’s inventions stem from founder Dave Welch’s scientific plunge into the world of photonics. On the other hand, Point2 Technology is committed to creating high-capacity e-Tube fibers. Together, these advancements have the potential to radically change the impact of data centers. As bandwidth demands continue to increase, their effects will be even more pronounced.
AttoTude has developed a groundbreaking new system. This complex systems comprise a digital data chip, a terahertz-signal generator and a mixer that modulates data on the terahertz signal. This unique configuration allows powerful real-time data processing and lightning-fast data movement with and between local GPUs and other components. The firm has developed several generations of waveguides, which are key to the proper deployment of their technology. Welch is clear that the first application will focus on the street level connections of the pluggable transition. The end game, though, is bringing radio transceivers and processors together to improve performance.
Localization tech startups like Point2 Technology are doing ground-breaking work in this arena. Its four cables, each composed of eight e-Tube fibers, can carry more than 200 gigabits of data per second per cable. This technology reduces the space required by at least three times when compared to copper cables. It increases reach dramatically, reaching up to 20 times farther than typical alternatives. Point2 Technology is preparing to begin producing chips for a groundbreaking 1.6-terabit-per-second undersea cable. This cable will employ eight thin polymer waveguides and is scheduled to be introduced later this year.
AttoTude’s Groundbreaking Developments
AttoTude has blossomed from Welch’s deep dive into photonics, yielding a number of key innovations that boost data center efficiency. The company’s digital data chip interfaces seamlessly with GPUs, while its terahertz-frequency generator operates at the cutting edge of data transmission technology. Welch claims that this unique combination unlocks unprecedented encoding capabilities on terahertz signals.
Welch’s vision for AttoTude goes beyond today’s uses. He expects that when fully developed, the company’s waveguides could make it safe to transmit data over distances of up to 20 meters. That forecast is beginning to line up with the palpable industry shift that we’re seeing towards shorter, thicker cables as bandwidth demands continue to grow.
“Customers love fiber. But what they hate is the photonics.” – Dave Welch
Welch adds that electronics have always proven out much better reliability than optical alternatives. This level of reliability might just provide AttoTude’s technology with a massive processing advantage in worlds where performance and consistency are the biggest priorities.
Point2 Technology’s Innovative Approach
Point2 Technology further supports AttoTude’s progress in pushing for a third way between copper and optical technologies. Their e-Tube fibers are specifically engineered to carry enormous data loads while taking up little space. Point2 Technology is transforming how you transmit data. Each fiber is capable of transmitting more than 200 gigs per second!
The company’s e-Tube cable also occupies just one-half the cross-section area of a 32-gauge copper cable. It provides a stellar reach that’s 20x more effective. Get ready for the first ever real-live 1.6-terabit-per-second cable! With its ultra-thin polymer waveguides, this cutting-edge cable will change the game for speed and efficiency, putting a new standard in data centers.
David Kuo from Point2 Technology insists that the time to modernize our networks for the growing demands for bandwidth is now. With legacy copper cables hitting their strength limits in the terabit-per-second territory, Kuo recommends design tweaks are necessary.
“As the bandwidth demands on copper cables approach the terabit-per-second realm, physics demands that they be made shorter and thicker.” – David Kuo
This emotional appeal highlights the importance of creative solutions such as those offered by Point2 Technology and AttoTude.
Engineering Reliability and Performance
Even for major players with deep pockets, like Nvidia and Broadcom, there remains substantial engineering risks. This backdrop presents a real opportunity for startups such as AttoTude and Point2 Technology to flourish. These companies strive to create systems that are not only manufacturable but reliable enough to coexist with expensive processors. Don Barnetson of Credo proudly displays his company’s outstanding success. They’ve already created a high-speed connectivity solution with an active electrical cable (AEC) that provides 800 Gb/s over distances up to 7 meters.
Both Welch and Kuo are relentless on the importance of reliability. They are firmly convinced that their technologies have sufficient capacity and potential to improve performance orders of magnitude when combined with transceiver-processor packages. Welch thinks that there’s even more potential in putting together these radio transceivers paired with low-cost processing units. He calls this integration “the real prize,” for future development.
“If I didn’t have to be at [an optical wavelength], where should I be?” – Dave Welch
That question is at the core of the inventive spirit that inspires both companies as they try to outdo one another and advance the technology, which exists today, further.
Industry Implications
AttoTude and Point2 Technology are quite far along in their development. These innovations are coming at a time when data centers are under increasing pressure to accommodate the skyrocketing bandwidth demands. Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics are booming industries. As they grow, so does the need for new and game-changing efficient, reliable connectivity solutions.
Both firms have had considerable success in this hotly contested arena. They leverage their distinct technologies to address the gaps of current offerings. Like any start-up, they’re full of hustle, hard at work iterating their product and perfecting their system. Industry observers are keenly awaiting some very dramatic changes to data center operations.
Welch’s assertion regarding the scale of data center demands highlights the need for innovative solutions:
“It happens to be a beautiful distance for scale-up in data centers.” – Dave Welch
This view is indicative of how far the tech community has come to recognize the future direction that data transmission technology should take.