Point2 Technology just delivered some pretty darn exciting news! With their partners, engineers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, they have a vision to change data center connectivity forever. The research project—published in the IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits—hopes to make data transfers more efficient. In particular, it brings advanced, new e-Tube cables that provide low-noise signal transfer and a host of other benefits compared to copper and optical fiber alternatives.
This step forward comes at a time when the need for greater bandwidth is increasing exponentially. At the same time, demand for lower latency in data centers is increasing too. Point2’s new generation system directly links each individual Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to network switches. This pioneering technology addresses the acute challenges of exploding data traffic and connectivity requirements in scale-out networks.
Collaboration with KAIST
Point2 partnered with civil engineering experts from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). United by a shared vision, together, they combined their deep experience to create advanced new data transmission technologies. This collaboration helps to enhance Point2’s innovation efforts. Beyond sustainability, it expands the frontier of what we can do in data center infrastructure.
The collaboration has already proven successful with the development of e-Tube cables. These groundbreaking cables make use of 28-nanometer CMOS technology that’s been commercially available since 2010. This innovation increases the efficiency of data processing and transmission exponentially beyond what is possible with conventional technology. This gives Point2 the ability to provide a powerful, competitive solution in a highly competitive market.
Through the continued optimization of this technology, Point2’s vision is to utilize a technology that fuels not only enhanced performance, but greater affordability. The cables are intended to go directly between GPUs and network switches. This upgrade will enable a continuous, efficient flow of information in data towns.
Significant Advantages Over Traditional Solutions
Point2’s e-Tube cables offer numerous benefits compared to today’s optical and copper alternatives. The company claims that their system consumes one-third of the power required by optical systems while costing one-third as much. In addition to enhanced bandwidth, it provides latency improvements – as low as one-thousandth the latency of standard optical connections.
The e-Tube cables are multilayer cables that incorporate eight high-performance e-Tube fibers. Each fiber has the capacity to carry more than 200 gigabits of data per second! These cables are half the area of a 32 gauge copper cable. This design enhances their efficiency while making them less obtrusive in data center settings. Boy, do these power cables pack a punch. They can reach 20 times the distance of regular copper cables.
At each end of the e-Tube cable lies a silicon chip that performs two critical functions: it converts incoming digital data into modulated millimeter-wave frequencies and generates an antenna that radiates those frequencies into a waveguide. This unique architecture allows for rapid and powerful data processing.
Future Production Plans and Industry Impact
Point2 is about to ramp up chip manufacturing for a cutting edge 1.6-terabit-per-second e-Tube cable. This new-generation cable will consist of eight compression-molded polymer waveguides. Each waveguide has a mind-boggling capacity of 448 gigabits per second. It does this through two different frequencies, 90 gigahertz and 225 gigahertz. This exceptional new capability now places Point2 at the leading edge of high-tech data transmission industry.
The new startup from SpaceX’s co-founder Jim Cantrell has indeed already shown the capabilities of its made-in-Penguin e-Tube cable, reaching a 4-meter 970 GHz transmission. Point2 is getting ready to scale production. Their goal of a more seamless experience, driven by their advanced waveguide technology is to revolutionize connectivity in data centers by carrying data 20-plus meters.
Point2 has raised $55 million in venture capital to push its agenda forward. Examples of these investments have included companies such as Molex—a computer cables and connections powerhouse. This financial support will continue to expedite our R&D initiatives. This support is vital for Point2 to remain competitive in an industry space that moves as quickly as technology.
“Customers love fiber. But what they hate is the photonics.” – Dave Welch
Our industries are dealing with unprecedented bandwidth demands. Leading experts such as David Kuo from Point2 have recently shed light on the challenges that legacy copper cables create. This emerging reality is what Kuo has termed the “copper cliff.” He paints an admittedly scary picture of the problems we’ll face as our bandwidth needs approach the terabit-per-second level.
According to Don Barnetson, senior vice president at Credo, they’ve developed a new type of Active Electrical Cable (AEC) that can transmit 800 Gb/s over distances of 7 meters or more. Point2’s e-Tube is impressive in its small size and 20 meter reach with a highly efficient efficiency at its core.
“We call it the copper cliff.” – David Kuo