News Article
Avago fibre optics for cloud computing have a silver lining
The firm’s latest MiniPOD and MicroPOD embedded interconnects are connectivity solutions that enable cloud computing and virtual server applications.
Avago Technologies, a supplier of analogue interface components for communications, industrial and consumer applications, is showcasing parallel optical fibre technology that enables industry-leading bandwidth for emerging high-performance computing (HPC) applications at the SC11 supercomputing conference.
Avago is demonstrating its small-footprint MicroPOD and MiniPOD embedded parallel optical transmitter and receiver modules, which deliver bandwidth of up to 120 Gigabits per second (Gbps), working with technologies from companies that provide the data throughput required for cloud computing and virtual server applications.
A live joint-demonstration with PLX Technology shows the industry’s first PCI Express (PCIe) Gen3 end-to-end fibre optic link with Avago MiniPOD technology connecting a PC to an I/O expansion box. A separate mechanical sample shows Altera’s optical FPGA concept working in conjunction with Avago MicroPOD technology. Avago is highlighting the demonstration, mechanical sample and exhibiting its broad portfolio of industry-standard pluggable modules, at booth #5315 at SC11 at the Washington State Convention Centre from November 14-17.
“Avago is committed to working with innovative technology companies such as PLX and Altera to extend fibre optic connectivity box-to-box, board-to-board and eventually chip-to-chip,” said Victor Krutul, director of marketing for the Fibre Optics Products Division at Avago. “The unrivalled bandwidth and interconnect density of our embedded parallel optical modules will empower high-performance computing applications to enable the future of cloud computing and virtual servers.”
The PCIe demo shows MiniPOD technology, enabled by PLX PEX8748 PCIe Gen3 switches, extending box-to-box traffic up to 30 meters with full 64-Gbps bidirectional connectivity. Optical PCIe provides a superior solution for data centres by eliminating the complicated, latency-ridden conversion of standards, extending the reach of PCIe technology.
“Our work with Avago is bringing the premium performance of optical solutions to PCIe Gen3 applications,” said Reggie Conley, senior director, hardware applications, PLX. “Our joint PCIe Gen3 technology is providing maximum throughput with plug-and-play simplicity for next-generation data centres.”
The Altera optical FPGA concept targets applications such as HPC, distributed server clusters, multi-chassis network switches and routers, and high-speed backplanes. The technology combines the advantages of programmable logic, advanced SERDES and high-density optical modules to increase signal integrity and optical port density, as well as reduce PCB area and power consumption.
MicroPOD and MiniPOD
Avago embedded parallel optics offer industry-leading density and bandwidth. The optical modules enable flexible inside-the-box designs, eliminating the need for EMI/RFI shielding. These benefits are leveraged in applications such as next-generation supercomputers powering scientific research breakthroughs, as well as for high-performance routers, switches and other data center equipment enabling cloud computing, server virtualization and video-on-demand.
The Avago MicroPOD and MiniPOD embedded parallel optical modules offer 12 transmit or receive channels at up to 10.3125 Gbps, while consuming only 125 mW per channel. MicroPOD devices have an 8.2-mm by 7.8-mm footprint with an LGA electrical interface for ultra-dense embedded solutions, while the MiniPOD arrays have a 22-mm by 18.5-mm footprint with a 9-mm by 9-mm MegArray connector for simplified embedded solutions and ease of manufacturing.
