SPOEC - Smart Pixel Opto-Electronic Connections

Contents

Rationale

Approach

Demonstrator

Collaboration

Industrial

Partners

Results

References

Project Objectives

(i) To demonstrate parallel interconnections to silicon IC's based on assembly with III-V semiconductor chips containing arrays of detectors, and modulators or emitters. Target specification is to approach an aggregate I/O data rate of 1Tbits-1. A typical partition would be 4k optical channels (e.g. 64×64) each operating at 250Mbits-1.

(ii) To assess a number of free-space optical interconnect architectures, suitable for linking high performance processor/memory modules or other electronic nodes. Issues will include: scalability, power consumption, demands on optics, alignment tolerance compatibility with existing technologies, etc.

(iii) As a technology test-bed, to construct a demonstration optoelectronic crossbar switch with the following specification:

  • Switch size: 64×64
  • Data rate per channel: >200Mbits-1
  • Control: self-routing packets
  • Contention: internal resolution and buffering
  • Latency: of order 40ns

Project Status: Completed 1998.

Optoelectronics-VLSI System Integration : Technological Challenges

Abstract: Hybrid VLSI-optoelectronics, also called smart-pixel technology, exploits the respective strengths of optics and electronic processing for the production of optical information processing systems of high performance. The recent integration of micron-size optoelectronic components such as emitters, photodetectors and spatial light modulators within VLSI electronic chips allows the fabrication of on/off chip data communication rate systems of the order of 1012 pin-Hz. This aggregate rate is at least one order of magnitude higher than is presently achievable in electronics alone. Several issues, however, remain to be resolved in order to fully benefit from this technology. These include the relevance of optics in information processing in general and computer science in particular, the design and choice of the logic complexity of the electronic circuitry, its interfacing with optoelectronic components, the assembly and testing of the resulting systems. These technological challenges are discussed in this article in the light of the rapid progress achieved in this field.

M. P. Y. Desmulliez, "Optoelectronics-VLSI System Integration : Technological Challenges", Journal of Material Science and Engineering B, vol. 74, no. 1-3, pp. 269-275, May 2000.

Download the journal paper in PDF format (147kB).

Highly Uniform Vertical Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers Integrated with Microlens Arrays

Abstract: In this paper, work is described on the fabrication of highly uniform 8×8 arrays of GaAs-AlGaAs vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL's). Oxide-confined VCSEL arrays show an average threshold current of 0.74±0.02 mA, an average output power of 2.05±0.03 mW at 8 mA and an average power conversion efficiency of 14.3%. Their wavelength is measured to be 967±0.35 nm over the array. In addition, we describe the alignment and integration of these device arrays with arrays of refractive microlenses to allow beam shaping typically required in system applications.

S. Eitel, S. J. Fancey, H.-P. Gauggel, K.-H. Gulden, W. Bachtold and M. R. Taghizadeh, "Highly Uniform Vertical Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers Integrated with Microlens Arrays", IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, vol. 12, no. 5, pp. 459-461, May 2000.

Download the letter in PDF format (188kB).

Architectural Approach to the Role of Optics in Mono and Multiprocessor Machines

Abstract: The relevance of introducing optical interconnects (OI ’s) in monoprocessors and multiprocessors is studied from an architectural point of view. We show that perhaps the major explanation for why optical technologies have nearly been unable to penetrate into computers is that OI ’s generally do not shorten the memory-access time, which is the most critical issue for today ’s stored-program machines. In monoprocessors the memory-access time is dominated by the electronic latency of the memory itself. Thus implementing OI ’s inside the memory hierarchy without changing the memory architecture cannot dramatically improve the global performance. In strongly coupled multiprocessors the node-bypass latency dominates. Therefore the higher the connectivity (possibly with optics), the shorter the path to another node, but the more expensive the network and the more complex the structure of electronic nodes. This relation leaves the choice of the best network open in terms of simplicity and latency reduction. The bottlenecks resulting from and the benefits of implementing OI ’s are discussed with respect to symmetric multiprocessors, rings, and distributed shared-memory supercomputers.

J. H. Collet, D. Litaize, J. Van Campenhout, M. Desmulliez, H. Thienpont, C. Jessope, J. Goodman, A. Louri and Z. Vranesic, "Architectural Approach to the Role of Optics in Mono and Multiprocessor Machines", Applied Optics IP, vol. 39, no. 5, pp. 671, Feb. 2000

Download the paper in PDF format (994kB).

Optoelectronics-VLSI System Integration : Technological Challenges

Abstract: Not available.

M. P. Y. Desmulliez, "Optoelectronics-VLSI System Integration : Technological Challenges", Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Low Dimensional Structures and Devices, Antalya Resort, Turkey, Elsevier Science Publishers, pp. 153-154, September 1999.

This conference paper is not available for download.

A Terabit/s 0.6 mm CMOS Interconnect Crossbar for Optoelectronic Communications System

Abstract: Not available.

P. Benabes, A. Gauthier, R. Kielbasa, M. Goetz, S. J. Fancey, M. G. Forbes, A. C. Walker and M. P. Y. Desmulliez, "A Terabit/s 0.6 mm CMOS Interconnect Crossbar for Optoelectronic Communications System", Proceedings of the International Conference on Electronics, Circuits and Systems, Paphos, Cyprus, pp. 257-260, September 1999.

This conference paper is not available for download.

Terabit/s Optoelectronic Interconnection to Silicon VLSI

Abstract: Invited presentation at Quantum Electronics and Photonics 14.

S. J. Fancey, A. C. Walker, M. R. Taghizadeh, G. S. Buller, M. G. Forbes, M. P. Y. Desmulliez, J. Pearson, A. R. Boyd, C. R. Stanley, S. Eitel, H.-P. Gauggel, K.-H. Gulden, P. Horan, D. Byrne, J. Hegarty, J.-L. Gutzwiller, M. Goetz, P. Benabes and A. Gauthier, "Terabit/s Optoelectronic Interconnection to Silicon VLSI", presented at QE-14, Manchester, September 1999.

Download the presentation in PDF format (1.39MB).

Method for the Alignment of Lens Arrays

Abstract: Not available.

UK Patent, Method for the Alignment of Lens Arrays, Application Number 9812972.9, Provisional Completion 17/6/99.

This patent is not available for download.

An Optoelectronic Crossbar Switch as a Demonstrator Test-Bed for Terabit/s I/O

Abstract: It is predicted that the i/o requirements of future generations of integrated circuits will exceed one terabit/s. Calculations indicate that electrical connections will be fundamentally limited at such bandwidths over distances in the range of several centimetres. Optoelectronic-VLSI (OE-VLSI) - the integration of surface-normal optoelectronic devices with VLSI electronics using hybridisation methods such as flip-chip bonding - potentially offers a solution. We describe the completed design of a demonstrator system being developed to investigate the free-space optoelectronic interconnection of silicon VLSI chips with aggregate i/o data rates in the Tbit/s domain.

A. C. Walker, M. P. Y. Desmulliez, M. G. Forbes, S. J. Fancey, G. S. Buller, M. R. Taghizadeh, J. A. B. Dines, C. R. Stanley, G. Pennelli, A. Boyd, J. L. Pearson, P. Horan, D. Byrne, J. Hegarty, S. Eitel, H-P. Gauggel, K-H. Gulden, A. Gauthier, P. Benabes, J. L. Gutzwiller and M. Goetz, "An Optoelectronic Crossbar Switch as a Demonstrator Test-Bed for Terabit/s I/O", OSA Technical Digest of Optics in Computing, Optical Society of America, Washington DC, pp. 199-201, 1999.

Download the conference paper in PDF format (115kB).

Optical Components of the Smart-Pixel Opto-Electronic Connection (SPOEC) Project

Abstract: The optical components of a 64×64 optoelectronic crossbar interconnect are described. The specifications and performance of the bulk, micro-optic, diffractive and thin-film components are discussed.

S. J. Fancey, M. R. Taghizadeh, G. S. Buller, M. P. Y. Desmulliez and AC Walker "Optical Components of the Smart-Pixel Opto-Electronic Connection (SPOEC) Project", Journal of Optics A - Pure and Applied Optics, vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 304-306, 1999.

Download the journal paper in PDF format (229kB).

Design and Construction of an Optoelectronic Crossbar Switch Containing a Terabit/s Free-space Optical Interconnect

Abstract: The completed detailed design and initial phases of construction of an optoelectronic crossbar demonstrator are presented. The experimental system uses hybrid very large scale integrated optoelectronics technology whereby InGaAs-based detectors and modulators are flip-chip bonded onto silicon integrated circuits. The system aims to demonstrate a 1-Tb/s aggregate data input/output to a single chip by means of free-space optics.

A. C. Walker, M. P. Y. Desmulliez, M. G. Forbes, S. J. Fancey, G. S. Buller, M. R. Taghizadeh, J. A. B. Dines, C. R. Stanley, G. Pennelli, A. R. Boyd, P. Horan, D. Byrne, J. Hegarty, S. Eitel, H.-P. Gauggel, K.-H. Gulden, A. Gauthier, P. Benabes, J. L. Gutzwiller and M. Goetz, "Design and Construction of an Optoelectronic Crossbar Switch Containing a Terabit/s Free-space Optical Interconnect", Invited Paper for the Special Issue on Smart Photonic Components, Interconnects and Processing, IEEE J. of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 236-249, 1999.

Download the journal paper in PDF format (735kB).

Trends in Hybrid-VLSI Optoelectronics for Optical Information Processing

Abstract: Not available.

M. P. Y. Desmulliez and B. S. Wherrett, "Trends in Hybrid-VLSI Optoelectronics for Optical Information Processing", Optical Interconnections and Computing, Oxford University Press, Oxford Series of Optical and Imaging Sciences, 1999.

The invited book chapter is not available for download.

Optical System and Components for a Terabit/s Optoelectronic Interconnect Demonstrator

Abstract: Recent analysis has shown that the i/o requirements of integrated circuits may soon exceed 1Tbit/s. Transmission of such high data rates by conventional wires is predicted to be fundamentally limited over relatively short distances of the order of centimetres. One possible approach to this problem is to exploit the high space-bandwidth potential of free-space optical interconnects in combination with optoelectronic-VLSI (OE-VLSI) components - surface normal optoelectronic devices integrated with silicon VLSI. A major focus of our work in this area is as part of a collaborative European Commission funded project to construct a packet-switching matrix-matrix optoelectronic crossbar interconnect which aims to demonstrate an internal aggregate connection bandwidth to a silicon VLSI chip in the region of 1 Terabit/s. In this paper we describe the optical components of this Smart-Pixel Opto-Electronic Connection (SPOEC) demonstrator, their completed design and early test results in advance of full system operation.

S. J. Fancey, M. R. Taghizadeh, G. S. Buller and A. C. Walker, "Optical System and Components for a Terabit/s Optoelectronic Interconnect Demonstrator", OSA Technical Digest of Optics in Computing, Optical Society of America, Washington DC, pp. 17-19, 1999.

Download the conference paper in PDF format (147kB).

Growth and Fabrication of In(Al,Ga)As-GaAs Modulator/Detector Arrays for Smart Pixel Applications

Abstract: Not available.

G. Pennelli, C. R. Stanley, A. R. Boyd and J. Pearson, "Growth and Fabrication of In(Al,Ga)As-GaAs Modulator/Detector Arrays for Smart Pixel Applications", OSA Technical Digest of Spatial Light Modulators and Integrated Optoelectronic Arrays, Optical Society of America, Washington DC, pp. 27-29, 1999.

This conference paper is not available for download.

Micro-, Diffractive and Bulk Optics for the Smart-Pixel Optoelectronic Connections (SPOEC) Project

Abstract: Not available.

M. R. Taghizadeh, S. J. Fancey, G. S. Buller, A. J. Waddie and A. C. Walker, "Micro-, Diffractive and Bulk Optics for the Smart-Pixel Optoelectronic Connections (SPOEC) Project", Presented at IEEE/LEOS Annual Meeting, Florida, December 1998.

This conference paper is not available for download.

A Free-Space Optoelectronic Crossbar Interconnect with Terabit/s Communication to Silicon Electronic

Abstract: A high data-rate free-space optoelectronic crossbar system designed to demonstrate 1 Tbit/s communication to silicon CMOS is described. The interconnect is based around a hybrid InGaAs-based smart-pixel chip and features vertical cavity surface-emitting laser input.

S. J. Fancey, M. G. Forbes, M. R. Taghizadeh, J. A. B. Dines, G. S. Buller, A. C. Walker, M. P. Y. Desmulliez, G. Pennelli, J. H. Marsh, C. R. Stanley, P. Horan, D. Byrne, J. Hegarty, S. Eitel, K. H. Gulden, A. Gauthier, P. Benabes and M. Goetz, "A Free-Space Optoelectronic Crossbar Interconnect with Terabit/s Communication to Silicon Electronic", Presented at CLEO/Europe, Glasgow, September 1998.

Download the conference proceedings in PDF format (119kB).

Design and Characterisation of an Indium Gallium Arsenide Multiple Quantum Well Modulator Operating with 5 Volts

Abstract: Not available.

D. Byrne, P. Horan and J. Hegarty, "Design and Characterisation of an Indium Gallium Arsenide Multiple Quantum Well Modulator Operating with 5 Volts", Presented at CLEO/Europe, Glasgow, September 1998.

This conference paper is not available for download.

Optimisation Modelling of InGaAs MQW Modulator Structures

Abstract: Not available.

D. Byrne, P. Horan and J. Hegarty, "Optimisation Modelling of InGaAs MQW Modulator Structures", Presented at Semiconductor and Integrated Optoelectronics Conference, Cardiff, April 1998.

This conference paper is not available for download.

Smart-Pixel Opto-Electronic Connections (SPOEC)

Abstract: Invited presentation describing the project.

S. J. Fancey, "Smart-Pixel Opto-Electronic Connections (SPOEC)", Presented at IEEE-LEOS Scottish Chapter Meeting, Edinburgh, January 1998.

Download the presentation in PDF format (1.2MB)

Optimisation of InGaAs MQW Modulator Structures Operating with 5V or Less Modulation

Abstract: Optimum structures for an InGaAs MQW pin diode modulator operating at low voltage (<=5V) are explored where the criterion is maximum reflectivity change.

D. Byrne, P. Horan and J. Hegarty, "Optimisation of InGaAs MQW Modulator Structures Operating with 5V or Less Modulation", Proceedings of SPIE Optics in Computing, vol. 3490, pp. 389-392, 1998.

Download the conference proceedings here in PDF format (161kB).

A Crossbar Switch Based on Smart Pixel Optoelectronic Connections

Abstract: Not available.

A. C. Walker, "A Crossbar Switch Based on Smart Pixel Optoelectronic Connections", Invited Paper in Proceedings of SPIE Optics in Computing, vol. 3490, pp. 532-535, 1998.

This conference paper is not available for download.

Optical Components of the Smart-Pixel Opto-Electronic Connection (SPOEC) Project

Abstract: The optical components of a 64x64 optoelectronic crossbar interconnect are described. The specifications and performance of the bulk, micro-optic, diffractive and thin-film components are discussed.

S. J. Fancey, M. R. Taghizadeh, G. S. Buller, M. P. Y. Desmulliez and A. C. Walker, "Optical Components of the Smart-Pixel Opto-Electronic Connection (SPOEC) Project", Proceedings of SPIE Optics in Computing, vol. 3490, pp. 370-373, 1998.

Download the confierence paper in PDF format (197kB).

Smart-Pixel Technology : Current Status and Future Trends

Abstract: Not available.

M. P. Y. Desmulliez and B. S. Wherrett, "Smart-Pixel Technology : Current Status and Future Trends", Optical Interconnections and Parallel Processing: Trends at the Interface, Kluwer Academics Publishers, Dordrecht, The Netherlands, Chapter 2, pp. 19-48.

This book chapter is not available for download.

Wideband Transconductance-Transimpedance Post-Amplifier for Large Photoreceiver Arrays

Abstract: A photoreceiver post-amplifier circuit based on a transconductance-transimpedance cascade is presented which meets the specific performance requirements of dense photoreceiver arrays comprising hundreds of high bit rate channels. Simulations of 1 Gbit/s receivers show an improvement in sensitivity, at some cost in layout area, over previous circuits based on low-gain voltage amplifiers.

M. G. Forbes and A. C. Walker, "Wideband Transconductance-Transimpedance Post-Amplifier for Large Photoreceiver Arrays", Electron. Lett., vol. 34, no. 6, pp. 589-590, 1998.

Download the paper in PDF format (274kB).

Progress in Optoelectronic Systems based on InGaAs/CMOS Smart-Pixel Arrays and Free-Space Optical Interconnects

Abstract: Presented as colloquium on optoelectronic integration and switching.

S. J. Fancey, J. Gourlay, M. G. Forbes, J. A. B. Dines, T. Yang, L. C. Wilkinson, M. P. Y. Desmulliez, A. C. Walker, J. H. Marsh and C. R. Stanley, "Progress in Optoelectronic Systems based on InGaAs/CMOS Smart-Pixel Arrays and Free-Space Optical Interconnects", Presented at IEE Colloquium on Optoelectronic Integration and Switching, Glasgow, November 1997.

Colloquium not available for download.

Last Modified 07/05/03 11:39:55.