AttoTude is a leading edge technology company headed by CEO Dave Welch. Combined with their deep expertise in photonics, they’re driving a new paradigm in data center connectivity. The company has clearly set its sights on capturing fast-growing data center demands. They are shipping out their own proprietary Wired technology that’s meant to better copper twisted pair cables both in distance and speed. With significant financial backing, including a $55 million investment from Molex and other investors, AttoTude is poised to revolutionize data transmission within high-performance computing environments.
With terahertz frequencies, the new technology enables an incredible 10-to-20-meter long data transmission distance. This astonishing technological enhancement is superior to traditional copper cabling with no noticeable deterioration in quality. Firms including Nvidia and Broadcom are racing to build proven systems that can operate in place of costly processors. At the same time, AttoTude’s innovations offer an attractive, safer alternative. This technology allows the packaging of GPU cards to network switch infrastructure—individually connected GPUs to network switches. In addition, it offers reduced energy use over optical alternative.
The Genesis of AttoTude
AttoTude was born out of Welch’s intensive explorations in the world of photonics. He fought hard and did his homework. This foundation allowed the company to create a solution uniquely suited to the challenges of data center connectivity.
The objective was clear: develop a system that enhances data transfer while minimizing power usage and physical space requirements. Welch noted the challenges that have historically plagued fiber optics, stating, “Customers love fiber. What they hate is the photonics.” This realization is the heart of AttoTude’s mission. Our hope is to design something that works simply and easily, retaining all of the advantages of fiber while dispensing with its disadvantages.
AttoTude’s second-generation cable is an impressive display of that innovative spirit. Its graffiti-proof design includes fibers that are only 200 micrometers wide. Welch predicts that this new waveguide will be able to permit data transmission loss of only 0.3 decibels per meter, an astonishing figure. This bodes well for future advancements in data transfer technologies.
Engineering Breakthroughs and Industry Impact
AttoTude has some remarkable technical accomplishments related to data center connectivity. It strategically places itself between the current, initial technologies to increase the competitive moat. The company works with Point2 to promote the case for a strong solution. That’s because this solution has an extraordinary combination of performance attributes, setting it apart from the conventional solutions.
In the full-court press for higher, faster, more efficient data transmission, Credo and others are catching up. Don Barnetson, senior VP at Credo, emphasized their dramatic progress on Active Electrical Cables (AECs). These cables are capable of 800 Gb/s speeds at 7 meters. AttoTude’s innovation is meant to go beyond that level of engagement.
“You start with passive copper, and you do everything you can to run in passive copper as long as you can.” – Don Barnetson, Credo
As legacy approaches and networks hit their breaking point, sometimes called the “copper cliff,” the industry is looking for revolutionary solutions. AttoTude’s technology isn’t just designed to meet these challenges. Reliability is at the core of its design. Welch emphasized the inherent advantages of electronics over optics, mentioning that “Electronics have been demonstrated to be inherently more reliable than optics.”
Components and Functionality
The core of AttoTude’s system includes key components designed for optimal performance: a digital interface for GPUs, a terahertz-frequency generator, and a mixer for encoding data onto the terahertz signal. From storage and interconnect to cooling and power, this innovative architecture enables proven, dependable integration into all existing data center infrastructures.
AttoTude has never done a successful 4-meter transmission at such a high and challenging frequency of 970 GHz. Welch estimates their waveguide technology would allow data to travel a distance of 10 to 20 meters. This innovation will significantly increase operational efficiency in data centers.
“If I didn’t have to be at [an optical wavelength], where should I be?” – Dave Welch, AttoTude
The firm’s design approach is rooted in using as little physical space as possible while maximizing performance and impact. In addition, they packed their waveguide down to just 8.1 millimeters across, taking up a third of the volume typical AEC cables do. By keeping the design compact, power consumption is dramatically minimized. It only consumes a third of the energy needed by optical technologies, an attractive prospect for energywise operations.
Future Prospects and Applications
More applications inside data centers High-quality Active Electrical Cables will be the dominant interconnect medium between the individual GPUs and the network switches. These switches form the foundation on which scale-out networks are built. Her application highlights how critical dependable connectivity is as our data needs keep expanding.
As AttoTude continues to push the envelope on creativity and innovation, expanding their original product line, in fact, it’s at the forefront of the regional data center connectivity transformation. Through innovation and collaboration, the internationally recognized manufacturing company develops smart solutions that deliver quality performance, reliability and energy efficiency. Consequently, it is ideally suited for today’s rapidly changing compute environment.