News Article
VI Systems Completes National Project on 40 Gbit/s VCSEL Components
The small size and power consumption levels of the new GaAs based prototype modules allows their integration into QSFP transceivers with Serializer /De-serializer (SerDes ) ICs.
German firm, VI Systems has successfully completed a local research project funded by the German bank IBB in Berlin. The project´s aim is to produce ultrahigh-speed vertical cavity surface emitting laser-based optical transmitters and PIN photodetector (PD) receivers for up to 40 Gbit/s short reach data transmission.
VI Systems GmbH, a leader in ultrahigh speed engines for data and telecommunications reported the successful realization of the challenging goals of the “HiTrans Project” that was supported and managed by one of the major banks in Berlin (IBB).
In this project VI Systems coordinated and led the efforts to develop serial 40 Gbit/s fiber-coupled small form-factor TO-can receiver and transmitter modules including several related electro-optic components.
The research consortium included national and international companies with particular expertise in their technical fields: one of Europe’s leading GaAs epi-wafer foundries, a leading foundry for silicon-germanium-based BiCMOS integrated circuits, a high volume manufacturing partner with expertise in flip-chip and wire bonding process steps, and the German technical universities of Berlin (TUB) and Dresden TUD)
Within the project driver integrated circuits (ICs) for current or electro-optically modulated lasers, and limiting transimpedance amplifier ICs for the PDs have been developed and prototyped. High frequency (40 GHz) transmitter and receiver packaging (TO-can form factor) based on the proprietary integrated-packaging approach of VI Systems for flip-chip and wirebond sub-assemblies was completed.
The characterization of data transmission at ultrahigh data bit rates by using the latest high frequency test equipment, and microwave and optical characterization techniques were performed. The project partners demonstrated error-free data bit transmission over multimode fiber at 40 Gbit/s using the developed electro-optical subassemblies and fiber-coupled modules. The power consumption of the receiver and transmitter modules including driver and amplifier ICs is below 150 mW allowing integration into standard commercial SFP (small form-factor pluggable) transceivers.
Additionally the small size (less than 6 mm x 6 mm) and the power consumption levels of the new prototype modules allows their integration into QSFP (quad small form-factor pluggable) transceivers with Serializer /De-serializer (SerDes ) ICs, assuming the modules´s total power consumption is below 3 W. The production of both single- and multi-mode fiber versions of the QSFP transceiver is possible.
The project and follow-on involvement of an industrial partner will enable scalable mass production at a low cost. Active Optical Cable (AOC) applications and IEEE 802.3bg standard extensions towards low cost low power applications can be targeted for follow-on product exploitation helping to move Berlin toward the technical forefront of the optical engine market
Product sample are available now.
VI Systems will be displaying its products at the Photonics West 2011 exhibition in San Francisco, CA (to be held in the Moscone Center) from 25-27 January 2011 in booth #5217 of North Hall.
VI System GmbH is a fabless developer and manufacturing company of optical engines and electro-optic components for optical communication at ultrahigh speeds, industrial and consumer applications based in Berlin, Germany.
