Point2 Technology took a big leap in engineering introducing a new patented cable with extreme ruggedness and ultra-high data transfer capabilities. Each new e-Tube cable contains eight of these slim, flexible glass waveguides. Each waveguide carries a remarkable 448 gigabits per second, using the simultaneous dual frequencies of 90 gigahertz and 225 gigahertz. This new technology provides a staggering cumulative bandwidth of 1.6 terabits per second. It’s set to raise the bar for transparency in data center connectivity.
The cable’s design allows information to be sent through the cable over 20 meter lengths. This unique capability makes it a complete, smart and agile solution for today’s demanding data centers. Point2 Technology, which was found nine years ago by the veterans from Marvell, Nvidia, and Samsung foundries. The company has now raised $55 million in venture funding, including strong support from the long-time computer cables and connections manufacturer, Molex.
Technical Specifications and Performance
Beyond the e-Tube cable’s impressive performance, its small size is a key factor that makes Point2 Technology’s e-Tube cable so unique. It takes up just a third the space of a typical 32-gauge copper-pair cable but provides up to 20 times the distance. The smaller footprint allows for better space utilization in data centers. This efficiency will be essential as the need for processing massive, complex data continues to grow.
The e-Tube cable, developed by Colorado-based eSilicon, is made out of eight unique fibers – each capable of transmitting more than 200Gbs per second. This groundbreaking technology reduces power usage by a factor of three compared to legacy optical systems. It equally brings cost down to a third as well, making it super efficient and cost-effective. Its claims include latency as low as one-thousandth of standard optical systems. Compared to the other contenders, this makes it an ideal candidate for high-speed data filling applications.
“Customers love fiber. But what they hate is the photonics,” – David Welch
An international team of engineers from Point2 Technology and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have joined forces. Their joint effort has tremendously advanced the technology. Using 28-nanometer CMOS technology, the team produced a second-generation cable with fibers that are only about 200 µm wide. Thanks to this technology, these lines can incur very little losses, with the ability to reach rates as low as 0.3 decibels per meter.
Implications for Data Centers
Data is apparently a priority, as organizations are frenzied to expand their data undertakings. Point2 Technology’s e-Tube cable is a robust, streamlined solution that can keep pace with the growing need for high-speed data transfer. The ability to transmit data efficiently over a range of 20 meters makes that option even more appealing.
“Electronics have been demonstrated to be inherently more reliable than optics,” – David Welch
This is because e-Tube cable provides high efficiency and reliability with minimal power consumption. This makes it a perfect candidate for enterprises that are motivated to improve their operational efficiencies.
Future Developments and Market Impact
Point2 Technology’s innovative approach doesn’t end with the e-Tube cable. Data center connectivity is just their starting point. The company hopes to lead the charge on more sophisticated applications across their campuses. As we move toward the upcoming implementation of pluggable connections, we get even closer to these more powerful, integrated systems. Experts in the industry say the true game-changer will be radio transceivers bundled together with processors.
With each innovation, Point2 Technology maintains its place as the technological forerunner in this new field. Their drive to push radio technology into data centers has left others such as AttoTude in the dust, proving their passion for pushing the envelope.
In fact, last April at the Optical Fiber Communications Conference, Point2 Technology’s 970 GHz transmission was so successful, it spurred four collaborations! This record exemplifies their continued commitment to extend the limits of possibilities for high-speed data transfer.
“If I didn’t have to be at [an optical wavelength], where should I be?” – David Welch