In a significant leap forward for data transmission, AttoTude and Point2 are developing innovative technologies employing the terahertz frequency spectrum to enhance data center efficiency. By working in the terahertz regime, these developments focus on frequencies between 300 and 3,000 GHz. They tout the capacity to transform highly speeding data-push applications, like those in AI, and hyperscale data center environments.
With terahertz technology, industries can go beyond what traditional copper cables have to offer. These cables can’t compete with the ever-growing need for bandwidth as we approach terabit-per-second performance. The new systems use much smaller, lighter and energy efficient cables. Their goal is to enable higher-throughput data transfer by drastically reducing latency and energy usage as well.
Understanding Terahertz Frequency
The unique opportunities afforded by the terahertz frequency range enable unprecedented data transmission speeds. AttoTude’s upcoming system comprises three main components: a digital interface for the GPU, a terahertz-frequency generator, and a mixer for encoding data onto the terahertz signal. This new architecture provides unrivaled processing speeds and data intelligence that can deliver transformative advantages to today’s mission-critical computing environments.
The promise of terahertz frequencies goes beyond speed to include efficiency. This cable features an unprecedented technology and is only 8.1 millimeters in diameter. It takes up only 50% of the volume of an equivalent AEC cable, while providing better performance. This compact footprint may allow for improved space efficiency in crowded colo data centers.
“If I didn’t have to be at [an optical wavelength], where should I be?” – Dave Welch
The increasing demand for bandwidth has led researchers and engineers to explore the terahertz spectrum as a viable alternative to traditional copper and optical fiber cables. The bottom line, according to the experts, is that electronics simply have a natural reliability advantage over optics. This enables a natural evolution towards terahertz-based systems.
Innovations in Cable Technology
Point2’s e-Tube cable is a perfect example to illustrate the innovation in data transmission technologies. The Pentax e-Tube is made with eight thin polymer waveguides. It reaches an astounding data transmission rate of 1.6 terabits per second on the basis of two frequencies—90 gigahertz & 225 gigahertz. With such a design, each waveguide can transmit 448 gigabits-per-second, a powerful illustration of the capacity possible with photonic data transfer.
The e-Tube cable’s physical attributes are just as amazing. It takes up less space than half a DWG/32-gauge copper wire while achieving up to 20x the distance. Waveguide technology is the key behind this astounding efficiency. It allows data to move up to 20 meters with little to no degradation of quality or speed.
“Customers love fiber. But what they hate is the photonics.” – Dave Welch
Point2’s advisory, AI-powered system offers unprecedented benefits compared to current optical solutions. And it consumes only one third of the energy that optical systems require. Additionally, it saves money and whitepaper latency, achieving the low latencies that can be one-thousandth that of typical fiber optics.
Addressing Challenges in Data Transmission
While the move from copper/optical cables to terahertz technology may seem like an easy evolution, it’s not without its hurdles. With conventional copper cables, the skin effect is a limiting challenge. This problem restricts the current flow to only 0.65 micrometers at 10 GHz. We can’t forget that as bandwidth demands continue to climb exponentially, we require shorter and thicker cables. Putting them into dense spaces—such as tech industry data centers—can be difficult.
Optical fiber technologies, too, have their own challenges. Matching powerful infrared laser light with the tiny core of an optical fiber is a daunting engineering challenge. This core is often no larger than 10 micrometers across, complicating installation and maintenance even further. As a result, an increasing number of professionals are calling for a transition to more user-friendly electronic tools.
“You start with passive copper, and you do everything you can to run in passive copper as long as you can.” – Don Barnetson
Second, Nvidia will dramatically increase the maximum number of GPUs in its systems, from 72 today to 576 by 2027. With this increase comes a greater and more immediate demand for faster, more secure, and more efficient data transmission. In that regard, the terahertz technology presents a fascinating solution for meeting growing data needs while ensuring high performance and reliability.
Embracing the Future of Data Centers
Terahertz technology and waveguide systems have been advancing quickly. Taken together, these changes have the potential to revolutionize data centers, drastically increasing their efficiency, effectiveness and performance. The new possibilities presented by AI and real-time processing environments have the chance to change the game when it comes to how organizations manage data.
With ongoing research and development efforts, stakeholders in the tech industry are eager to explore how these innovations can be integrated into existing infrastructures. These kinds of partnerships, like the one between AttoTude and Point2, represent a major step in the direction of making this vision a reality.