Parallel optical interconnections development at HP Labs

Bandwidth and distance needs continue to increase as we enter this ever-growing information age. To satisfy this need, Hewlett Packard as well as other fiber-optic component suppliers have begun to develop parallel optical interconnections. Initial markets requiring multigigabit/sec bandwidths include: large symmetric multiprocessors, telecom central switches, and high resolution video at a distance. The key to being successful in these markets is affordability and availability of actual parallel optical interconnection links. HP has been working towards both of these goals while maintaining a clear performance advantage over electrical interconnection solutions.