Point2 Technology has achieved groundbreaking advances in data transfer rates to enhance the data center experience. To produce their signature panels, the company has collaborated with engineers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. Collectively, they have developed a pioneering solution that will transform the way data connects. Their research, which was recently published in the IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, shows a glimpse of what’s possible using this new technology.
The heart of Point2’s innovation is in its 28-nanometer CMOS technology. This move makes possible the production of chips that will power a 1.6-terabit-per-second cable, combining eight polymer waveguides. Each waveguide is capable of carrying an impressive 448 gigabits per second across two frequencies: 90 gigahertz and 225 gigahertz. Powered by Point2’s proprietary technology, data can be transmitted as far as 20 meters. This alone, in comparison to traditional copper cables, gives it an extreme advantage.
Advancements in Data Transmission
Point2’s new e-Tube cable is a radical departure from the traditional copper approach. The e-Tube cable is extremely slender, occupying just half the diameter of a 32-gauge copper cable. Beyond that, it provides a remarkable reach — up to 20 times farther. This miraculous new feature makes it possible to wirelessly transfer an enormous quantity of data without any significant degradation over distances up to 10-20 meters.
Point2’s technology efficiency goes further than just size and reach. The e-Tube cable uses one-third the power of optic cables and is one-third the cost. Of equal importance, it provides latency rates up to one-thousandth that of current alternatives. With the second-generation cable, those losses are now just a remarkable 0.3 db per meter. That’s a gigantic advance over regular copper cables, which can only handle 224 gigabits per second.
Point2 Technology’s vice president of product marketing and business development David Kuo took the bull by the horns. In particular, he focused on the continuing, urgent “copper cliff” issue. This is a colloquial term that describes the constraints of copper cabling as we push for ever-high data rates.
“We call it the copper cliff,” – David Kuo
A Focus on Market Needs
Among these, Point2’s e-Tube cable appears to be a strong contender. The innovation strategy is a response to increasing concerns around the safety, reliability and performance of current technologies. Dave Welch, a prominent figure in the field, pointed out the industry’s preference for fiber optics while acknowledging their drawbacks.
“Customers love fiber. But what they hate is the photonics,” – Dave Welch
The industry still struggles with integrated photonic components. Despite their proven reliability, many transport professionals still consider them to be inferiorly reliable to their electronic siblings. Welch pointed out that electronics are generally more robust than optical systems by nature.
“Electronics have been demonstrated to be inherently more reliable than optics,” – Dave Welch
The new technology is created with scalability on large levels, especially in data centers, going forward. Welch was adamant that P2’s solution cuts out a crucial distance appropriate to scaling operations effectively.
“Happens to be a beautiful distance for scale-up in data centers,” – Dave Welch
Strong Financial Backing and Future Prospects
Point2 Technology has completed a $55 million series venture financing and is now focused on expanding its research and development activities. Among those investors is Molex, an internationally-known leader in the computer cables and connections business. This financial support speaks to the confidence in Point2’s innovative approach, and how it will fundamentally change the global data transmission landscape.
As the first use of Point2’s technology it’s going to be in the pluggable connections space, where demand is accelerating at an alarming pace. The company’s long-term vision is that radio transceivers will be co-packaged with processors. This breakthrough has the potential to change the game on what connectivity should look like inside of data centers.
Don Barnetson, another key industry voice, emphasized the importance of starting with passive copper technologies as long as feasible before transitioning to advanced solutions like Point2’s.
“You start with passive copper, and you do everything you can to run in passive copper as long as you can,” – Don Barnetson