Innovations in waveguide technology will usher in a new era of data transmission within data centers. They offer tremendous increases in both effectiveness and equity. Dave Welch, a prominent figure in this field, predicts that the latest waveguide will enable data to be transmitted effectively over distances of up to 20 meters. TSMC, the world’s largest contract chip maker, is working to get its fabs ready to make leading-edge chips. These chips will be used to drive a 1.6-terabit-per-second, trail-blazing cable based on eight, very fine polymer waveguides.
These waveguides are engineered to carry an impressive 448 gigabits per second using two specific frequencies: 90 gigahertz and 225 GHz. The new technology is a significant improvement from previous iterations, which had to downsize to thin, hollow copper tubes. AttoTude has been instrumental in this area, fabricating multiple generations of such waveguides as well as the individual components. Their ongoing collaboration is the only thing that has literally laid the groundwork for this innovation.
The Evolution of Waveguide Technology
The development of this waveguide technology has not been without its challenges. As Welch explains, the second-generation cables are only about 200 micrometers wide. They perform spectacularly with possible losses lowered to just 0.3 decibels per meter. This technological advancement is indicative of the overall shift from physical materials to a more effective and timely form of information exchange.
While these developments are positive, Welch does recognize some fundamental limitations on the waveguide technology. Its drawbacks include large power consumption and high susceptibility to changes in temperature. Getting light into and out of photonics chips is a particularly precision-enforcing practice. The micrometer-level manufacturing requirements further complicate this task.
“If I didn’t have to be at [an optical wavelength], where should I be” – Dave Welch
This remark perfectly sums up the current quest for the best wavelengths to transmit internet data. Engineers are constantly seeking out alternatives that would offer improved reliability and efficiency compared to current copper technologies.
Point2 has developed cutting edge cables known as e-Tubes. These cables rely upon a postage stamp size silicon chip to transform incoming digital information into modulated millimeter-wave frequencies. One antenna, then, radiates these frequencies into the orthomode waveguide—a design that supports fantastic data processing rates. The e-Tube cables provide an incredible reach, delivering over 20 times the distance of comparable copper cables. They require only half the area as a typical AEC cable.
Point2 and AttoTude each make the boast that their technologies significantly outperform copper. They are able to cover distances of 10-20 meters with little to no signal degradation. It is this latter capability that argues for their implementation, positioning them as frontrunners in the quest for more efficient data transmission solutions.
“Customers love fiber. But what they hate is the photonics” – Dave Welch
Welch’s observation reflects a common sentiment in the industry: while fiber optics are preferred for their speed and efficiency, the complexities associated with photonics continue to pose challenges. The addition of e-Tubes might address these worries by reducing complicating factors in the system as a whole.
Challenges Ahead for Waveguide Technologies
While the progress in waveguides marks an important advance, there’s certainly more challenges to tackle. Coupling this with the very well-known long-term reliability issues tied to this technology creates major worries from industry participants. Reliability Electronics have a history of administrating high reliability outpacing optical. As a result, many engineers consider this reliability to be one of the most important factors when designing next-generation data transmission solutions.
Welch and his team have developed a sophisticated system. It comprises a digital component that interfaces with graphics processing units (GPUs), a terahertz-frequency generator, and a mixer to accurately encode data onto the terahertz signal. This seamless integration saves you time and effort while allowing you to leverage your current technology.
“Electronics have been demonstrated to be inherently more reliable than optics” – Dave Welch
This comment is an important reminder of a key concern for data center operators. So they must be intentional about what technology investments they make. As they continue future-proofing their operations, finding the balance between reliability and innovative technology will be key.