News: Optoelectronics
29 September 2023
OpenLight samples fully integrated 2xFR4 PASIC photonic integrated circuit
OpenLight of Santa Barbara, CA, USA (which launched as an independent company in June 2022, introducing the first open silicon photonics platform with heterogeneously integrated III-V lasers) has made available samples of a fully integrated 2x FR4 Photonic Application Specific Integrated Circuit (2xFR4 PASIC). The firm’s PASIC technology integrates all the components of silicon photonics devices, both active and passive components, into one chip.
Designed to meet the ever-evolving demands of data-center and AI cluster connections, the new 2xFR4 PASIC 800G photonic integrated circuit (PIC) harnesses the power of heterogeneous integration, combining lasers and electro-absorption modulators for what is claimed to be unparalleled performance and versatility with the cost and reliability of traditional silicon photonics. This addresses the growing demand for faster data processing, reduced power consumption, simplified product development, and cost savings in critical computing environments. OpenLight says that, with this PASIC, it is enhancing its offerings by introducing coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) capabilities to its family of reference designs.
The 2xFR4 PASIC integrates all essential components into a single chip, replacing up to 16 individual components that would otherwise require assembly steps with disparate parts and complex back-end manufacturing processes adding cost and large capital equipment expenditures. This results in simplified supply chain logistics and straightforward manufacturing processes that drastically reduce power consumption and overall costs compared with other solutions.
“With our revolutionary integration of lasers and electro-absorption modulators, 2xFR4 PASIC epitomizes our dedication to simplifying complexity, reducing costs, and setting new standards in efficiency,” says CEO Dr Adam Carter. “We’re providing our customers with a validated reference design that not only accelerates their time to market but also empowers them to take control of their destiny in the supply chain,” he adds.
“We are excited to be the manufacturing partner for OpenLight and look forward to this cutting-edge, validated reference design accelerating our mutual customer’s product development with tested samples and ready design files saving substantial time and cost,” says Russell Ellwanger, CEO of Tower Semiconductor. “This fully integrated solution incorporating lasers and electro-absorption modulators is a testament to our strong partnership and joint commitment to investing toward the adoption of silicon photonic technology in high-volume manufacturing.”
Customers can use the 2xFR4 PASIC validated reference design to build products without having to design, engineer, and test their own solutions.
OpenLight offers tested samples, comprehensive test results, and design files, potentially saving customers up to 18 months of engineering work compared to designing from scratch, it is reckoned, significantly reducing time to market for customers.
OpenLight announces availability of first PDK sampler to accelerate component testing
OpenLight unveils open silicon photonics platform with integrated lasers
