Academic researchers and successful industry startups and incumbents alike have contributed to the cutting edge of data center technology. Today they have turned their focus to the terahertz frequency regime, spanning 300 to 3,000 GHz. This high-frequency range is the theoretical maximum limit that electronics could reach. It’s been hailed as a transformative technology for high speed data communications and for increasing energy efficiency in data centers. David Welch is founder and CEO of AttoTude. He directs multidisciplinary efforts to advance investigations exploring the use of terahertz frequencies for wireless data transmission.
Welch and his team create a robust, established, intentional culture. It has lifted a digital component for a standardized interface with a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), plus a terahertz-frequency generator and mixer to encode data directly onto the terahertz signal. This new technology focuses laser-like on addressing the relentless, unprecedented demands bearing down on data centers. Nvidia has an ambitious plan for increasing per-system GPU capacities, increasing the maximum number of GPUs per system from 72 GPUs to 576 GPUs by 2027.
The need for such innovations is underscored by the increasing heat generation in data centers, which necessitates effective cooling solutions. The integration of terahertz frequencies would be enough to reduce or eliminate a big chunk of these cooling needs, leading to greener operations. As David Welch noted, this frequency range “happens to be a beautiful distance for scale-up in data centers,” indicating its strategic importance for future developments.
The Role of Terahertz Frequencies
Terahertz frequencies are unique among the broader electromagnetic spectrum because their wavelengths are much shorter than infrared laser light. This is the feature that allows for greater speeds of data transfer. It also requires very good matching to the center of waveguides or fibers. Welch’s team has already demonstrated successful data transmission over distances of four meters at 970 GHz during last year’s Optical Fiber Communications Conference.
Point2 Technology, in partnership with AttoTude, is working to develop similar solutions. Point2’s e-Tube cable does rely on millimeter-wave frequencies. Both companies are deeply engaged to leverage terahertz frequencies to increase the capabilities of data transmission.
“Electronics have been demonstrated to be inherently more reliable than optics.” – Dave Welch
This reliability is important. As demand for data centers continues to grow, these critical facilities require robust and reliable connectivity to transport enormous payloads of data. Welch emphasizes that while customers prefer fiber optics for their speed, many express concerns regarding the complexities of photonics: “Customers love fiber. What they hate is the photonics.” This sentiment is emblematic of a larger challenge the industry is facing today — the challenge of integrating performance and user experience.
Innovations by AttoTude and Point2 Technology
AttoTude’s pioneering technology holds the potential to deliver superior high-speed data transmission while generating substantial advancements in power efficiency over existing optical technologies. Welch predicts that once fully developed, their waveguide systems will be capable of transmitting data over distances as long as 20 meters, further extending the operational range of terahertz frequency applications.
It is exactly this aligning of vision and collaborative spirit between AttoTude and Point2 Technology that heralds the industry shift toward leveraging terahertz frequencies. Everything we’ve accomplished so far is proof of the value this technology can provide. As terahertz systems continue to enter the commercial space, companies may need cooling solutions for less systems. This change has the potential to greatly reduce both their cost to operate and their energy use.
“If I didn’t have to be at [an optical wavelength], where should I be?” – Dave Welch
Welch’s original inquiry was what makes terahertz frequencies so critically important. These frequencies are poised to play a transformative role in our data center future. With more innovations still in the pipeline, both firms are proving themselves to be front-runners in this new market.
The Future of Data Centers
Demands on data centers are increasing everywhere around the globe. If they succeed, innovations from Welch’s team could bring about the long promised era of efficiency and reliability. Now terahertz frequencies are becoming the panacea in the latest technology craze. They address pressing issues such as power usage and heat production in today’s data centers.
Additionally, firms in the industry feel positively about future uses for these technologies. Don Barnetson highlighted a prevailing approach in data center infrastructure: “You start with passive copper, and you do everything you can to run in passive copper as long as you can.” This suggests that despite the promise of new technologies, there is still an underlying dependence on established infrastructures.
AttoTude and Point2 Technology are among the companies currently developing terahertz solutions. Industry stakeholders are just as excited about how these innovations will reshape operating practices and set new standards in today’s data centers.