Point2 Technology and AttoTude, both pioneering startups. They are advocating for a first-of-its-kind solution utilizing terahertz frequencies to improve data center efficiency. Acting in the terahertz regime of 300 to 3,000 GHz, their technologies are expected to provide impressive improvements compared to classic optical systems. As demand for data continues to grow, the two companies are racing to get to the front of what looks like a new revolution in how we transmit data.
Equipped with Point2 Technology’s e-Tube cable, which includes eight thin polymer fiber optic strands, one human-made structure can transmit up to 1.6 terabits per second. This innovation doesn’t just outperform copper cables, it provides significant cost and power savings. Point2’s non-optical system uses only one-third of the energy needed for optical technology and is one-third the cost. In addition, it provides the one-thousandth the latency of traditional optical systems.
AttoTude has been an important part of this technological transition. They’ve developed cutting edge elements including the world’s first digital data chip and terahertz-signal generator. The company has manufactured multiple generations of waveguides. These waveguides are crucial to enable high-quality terahertz data transmission. Their efforts are already keeping pace with the expanding demand for future-proof, high-speed data solutions. Take Nvidia for example, which we project will increase the number of GPUs in its systems by ten times by 2027.
The Challenge of Copper Cables
Thanks to the dramatic anticipation of data demands and the inherent limits of copper cables, that solution quickly grew to be insufficient. When bandwidth approaches the terabit-per-second threshold, physics takes over in importance. Thicker and shorter copper cables are required, which presents a huge barrier to future expansion. David Kuo, one of the most well-known industry experts on this issue, refers to this issue as “the copper cliff.” He cautions against the future troubles that can be caused by relying on old, brittle copper infrastructure.
Our own Credo organizer Don Barnetson has been at the forefront of dealing with these challenges. He adds, “You begin with passive copper and try to stay in passive copper as long as you can.” This approach embodies the industry’s near-term reliance on copper technology, despite the clear evolution to the contrary.
Point2 Technology’s e-Tube cable is designed specifically to remove these drawbacks. With reach up to 20 times greater than similar copper cables, it raises the bar for data transmission. The innovation provides greater ranges and enhances speed. This combination makes it a very attractive option for data centers seeking to expand their offering.
Advantages of Terahertz Technology
Point2 Technology’s system scored high for its overall efficiency. By leveraging RF frequencies that can be produced in a typical silicon foundry, manufacturing becomes much more accessible. This flexibility means easier integration into existing systems. The e-Tube cable is designed to withstand maximum data/signal rates. It achieves this with much lower energy use, making it an ideal technology to be adopted.
Additionally, according to rail expert and engineer Dave Welch, the reliability of electronic systems is higher than that of optical systems. He further explains, “Electronics have already been shown through test to be much more reliable than optics by nature. This reliability is important for data centers where even a minute of downtime can lead to millions in lost revenue.
Customer feedback on their experiences with fiber optics highlights the demand and necessity for innovations in this space. Welch elaborates, “Customers love fiber. What they hate is the photonics. This sentiment demonstrates the need in the market that Point2 and AttoTude hope to address through their terahertz solutions.
Future Prospects and Industry Impact
At the same time, demand for speedy data transmission is increasing exponentially. Point2 Technology and AttoTude are poised to change the game for data centers with their revolutionary technologies. Point2’s work is being supported by Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. Together, they’re proving to the world that 28nm CMOS technology can go well beyond what people previously thought possible.
With continuous improvement in terahertz technology, this will soon be indispensable as businesses push toward maximum efficiency. Nvidia has serious intentions to help this come to fruition, committing to quadrupling their GPU capacity. Point2’s solutions can be key to solving future challenges.