In a rapidly advancing technological landscape, the need for faster and more efficient data transmission is more critical than ever. To address this, Keysight Technologies, NTT Innovative Devices Corporation, and Lumentum Holdings Inc. have jointly achieved a groundbreaking feat in high-speed data transmission, essential for the burgeoning field of AI and ML applications. This interview delves into the nuances of their collaboration, the implications for the future of data centers, and the technical aspects of their remarkable 448 Gbps data transmission demonstration.
What motivated the collaboration between Keysight Technologies, NTT Innovative Devices Corporation, and Lumentum Holdings Inc.?
The primary driver behind this collaboration was the shared recognition of the growing bandwidth demands, particularly from AI and ML applications. These applications require ultra-fast, real-time data processing capabilities, and the collaboration aimed to address these needs by pushing the boundaries of data transmission technologies. Each company brought its unique strengths to the table—Keysight’s expertise in test and measurement solutions, NTT’s advanced frequency-domain interleavers, and Lumentum’s high-performance optical components—to create a solution that could meet the next-generation requirements of data centers.
How does the 448 Gbps data transmission mark a new benchmark for AI data centers?
Achieving 448 Gbps data transmission sets a new benchmark by significantly increasing the data transfer rates between compute and network nodes. This speed is crucial for AI data centers, where high throughput and low latency are essential for processing complex algorithms and large datasets efficiently. Faster data transmission reduces bottlenecks, ensuring that AI and ML models operate more smoothly, leading to enhanced performance and scalability. This breakthrough will enable AI data centers to handle more data with higher efficiency, thus supporting the continual growth and evolution of AI technologies.
Can you provide more details about what was showcased at OFC 2025?
At OFC 2025, the joint demonstration showcased the use of 224 GBaud PAM4 optical technology to achieve 448 Gbps data transmission. This involved the synchronization of two Keysight M8199B Arbitrary Waveform Generators with NTT’s frequency-domain interleavers to create the electrical signals necessary for the demonstration. These signals were then used to drive a Lumentum indium phosphide externally-modulated laser, highlighting the potential for high-speed and power-efficient optical interconnects. This demonstration not only set a new standard for data rates but also paved the way for next-generation 3.2T optical interfaces, which are critical for future data center networks.
Why are AI and ML applications particularly suited for ultra-fast data processing?
AI and ML applications involve complex computations and large-scale data analytics, requiring substantial computational power and high-speed data transfer to operate effectively. As these models continue to grow in complexity, the need for ultra-fast data processing becomes more pronounced to ensure real-time analysis and decision-making. Ultra-fast data processing minimizes latency, enabling rapid data movement and enhancing the overall efficiency of AI and ML workflows.
How does the 448 Gbps transmission speed improve the efficiency of AI/ML models?
The 448 Gbps transmission speed ensures that data can be transmitted quickly and efficiently across the network, reducing delays and bottlenecks. For AI and ML models, which often require real-time data inputs and outputs, this speed is crucial for maintaining high performance. Faster data transmission translates to quicker model training and inference times, thus improving the overall efficiency of AI/ML operations. This, in turn, enables more accurate and timely insights, which are essential for various applications ranging from autonomous driving to predictive analytics.
Can you explain the role of Keysight in the early R&D stage for 448 Gbps?
Keysight played a pivotal role in the early R&D stage by providing the necessary test and measurement equipment to explore various modulation schemes and validate the performance of the 448 Gbps transmission. Their advanced tools and solutions facilitated the development and testing of the PAM4, PAM6, and PAM8 modulation schemes, ensuring that the industry selects the optimal technology for 224 Gbps optical transmission. Keysight’s contributions were vital in ensuring that the new data transmission standards were rigorously tested and met the industry’s stringent requirements.
What are the differences between PAM4, PAM6, and PAM8 modulation schemes?
PAM4, PAM6, and PAM8 are different pulse amplitude modulation schemes that encode data by varying the amplitudes of the pulses. PAM4 uses four distinct levels to encode two bits of data per symbol, making it simpler and more efficient for certain data rates. PAM6 and PAM8 employ six and eight levels, respectively, to encode more bits per symbol, which can theoretically increase data rates further but also introduces greater complexity in signal processing and noise management. PAM4 has been chosen as the industry standard for 224 Gbps data transmission because it strikes a balance between complexity and performance, providing reliable data transmission while being more manageable than higher-order modulation schemes.
Why has PAM4 been chosen as the industry standard for 224 Gbps optical transmission?
PAM4 has been selected as the industry standard for 224 Gbps optical transmission due to its balance of simplicity and efficiency. It allows for higher data rates without requiring excessively complex signal processing, making it a practical choice for current and next-generation data transmission. Its ability to effectively manage noise and signal integrity while doubling the number of bits transmitted per symbol compared to traditional binary modulation makes it the preferred choice for high-speed optical communication.
How does the breakthrough contribute to data center scalability and energy efficiency?
The breakthrough 448 Gbps transmission not only allows for higher data throughput but also improves scalability by enabling data centers to handle larger volumes of data more efficiently. This enhanced capability reduces the need for multiple lower-bandwidth links, simplifying network architecture and reducing operational complexities. Additionally, increased data rate efficiencies contribute to energy savings, as fewer resources are needed to achieve the same data transmission goals. This leads to a more environmentally friendly operation, which is crucial given the growing focus on sustainability in the tech industry.
What is the function of Keysight M8199B Arbitrary Waveform Generators in the demonstration?
The Keysight M8199B Arbitrary Waveform Generators were crucial in generating the precise electrical signals needed for the 448 Gbps transmission. With an industry-leading sampling rate of 256 GSa/s and an analog bandwidth exceeding 80 GHz, these generators provided the high-fidelity signals required for the demonstration. Their advanced capabilities ensured that the electrical signals driving the indium phosphide externally-modulated laser were accurate and stable, leading to a successful demonstration of high-speed data transmission.
How do NTT’s advanced frequency-domain interleavers contribute to generating 448 Gbps electrical signals?
NTT’s frequency-domain interleavers played a significant role in extending the effective bandwidth of the signal generators, allowing them to produce the complex 448 Gbps electrical signals required for the demonstration. These interleavers work by efficiently distributing the signal frequencies to maximize the available bandwidth, ensuring high signal integrity and performance. This technology is vital for achieving the higher data rates needed for next-generation optical communication systems.
What advantages does Lumentum’s indium phosphide (InP) externally-modulated laser bring to high-speed optical interconnects?
Lumentum’s indium phosphide externally-modulated laser offers significant advantages for high-speed optical interconnects, including higher bandwidth, lower power consumption, and improved signal quality. The use of indium phosphide allows for efficient modulation at high speeds, which is essential for achieving the 448 Gbps transmission rates. Additionally, these lasers provide better thermal stability and reliability, which are critical for maintaining consistent performance in data center environments.
What is the significance of achieving 240 Gbaud PAM4 transmission using the same hardware?
Achieving 240 Gbaud PAM4 transmission with the same hardware demonstrates the versatility and scalability of the system. It shows that the existing infrastructure can support even higher data rates with minimal modifications, providing a clear path for future upgrades. This flexibility is crucial for data centers looking to expand their capabilities without undergoing extensive overhauls of their existing equipment.
How does the 224 GBaud and beyond PAM4 technology contribute to higher data rates and improved signal integrity?
The 224 GBaud and beyond PAM4 technology enables significantly higher data transmission rates by encoding more data per symbol, effectively doubling the capacity compared to traditional methods. This capability is vital for meeting the increasing data demands of modern applications. Moreover, the technology includes advanced error correction and signal processing techniques, which help to improve signal integrity and reduce error rates, ensuring reliable and efficient data communication.
In what ways will developing 3.2T interfaces benefit data center networks?
Developing 3.2T interfaces will significantly enhance data center networks by providing the necessary infrastructure to support ever-increasing data demands. These high-capacity interfaces will facilitate faster and more efficient data transfer, reducing bottlenecks and improving overall network performance. This will enable data centers to scale more effectively, support a greater number of connected devices, and handle larger datasets, all while maintaining high levels of performance and reliability.
How does Keysight’s M8199B AWG stand out in terms of performance?
Keysight’s M8199B AWG stands out due to its unparalleled sampling rate, wide analog bandwidth, and high signal fidelity. With 256 GSa/s and an analog bandwidth exceeding 80 GHz, it provides precise and accurate signal generation required for high-speed data transmissions. These features make it an industry leader in performance, enabling the development and testing of next-generation optical communications.
What is the role of Keysight’s N1032A DCA-X Sampling Oscilloscope in analyzing high baud rate optical signals?
The Keysight N1032A DCA-X Sampling Oscilloscope is crucial for analyzing high baud rate optical signals due to its high optical bandwidth capability, which enables it to accurately capture and measure the fast-changing signals in high-speed optical transmission. Its ability to provide detailed insights into signal characteristics, such as amplitude, timing, and waveform integrity, ensures that the data transmissions meet the required performance standards.
What is your forecast for the future of optical communications and high-speed data transmission?
The future of optical communications and high-speed data transmission looks incredibly promising. With the continued advancements in modulation schemes, signal processing, and laser technologies, we can expect to see even higher data rates and more efficient data transfer methods. This will drive further innovation in AI, ML, and other data-intensive applications, enabling new use cases and enhancing the capabilities of existing technologies. Sustainability will also be a key focus, with ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption and improve the environmental footprint of high-speed data centers.
