Key Takeaways
- A joint demonstration by Keysight Technologies, NTT Innovative Devices, and Lumentum achieved 448 Gbps data transmission using 224 GBaud PAM4 optical technology.
- This advancement supports the growing bandwidth needs of AI and ML applications, enabling efficient 3.2 Tbps data center interfaces.
- The demonstration will be presented at the Optical Fibre Communication Conference (OFC) 2025, highlighting new standards in optical communications.
Pioneering Optical Data Transmission
Keysight Technologies, NTT Innovative Devices Corporation, and Lumentum Holdings Inc. recently achieved a groundbreaking milestone by demonstrating 448 Gbps data transmission using 224 GBaud PAM4 optical technology. This significant collaboration, unveiled at the Optical Fibre Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) 2025, addresses the rising bandwidth demands driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications. By facilitating the development of power-efficient 3.2 terabit (Tbps) interfaces, this innovation is poised to transform future data center networks.
As AI and ML algorithms become increasingly complex, the need for ultra-fast, real-time data processing intensifies. The newly demonstrated 448 Gbps transmission speed enhances data movement between computational and network nodes, resulting in reduced latency and improved efficiency for AI/ML models. This development not only supports scalability but also significantly enhances data center efficiency, thereby lowering operational costs and minimizing environmental impacts.
The demonstration utilized two Keysight M8199B Arbitrary Waveform Generators along with NTT’s advanced frequency-domain interleaver to generate the 448 Gbps electrical signals featuring 224 Gbaud PAM4. These signals were then used to drive a Lumentum indium phosphide (InP) externally-modulated laser (EML), indicating the potential for high-speed, power-efficient optical interconnects. Notably, the setup also succeeded in generating 240 Gbaud PAM4 using the same equipment, showcasing the versatility and capabilities of the technology.
The collaboration emphasizes the latest advancements in PAM4 technology, which permits 448 Gbps data transmission per lane. This marks a significant step toward establishing efficient 3.2 Tbps interfaces needed for future data center networks, representing a major leap forward in both data rate achievement and signal integrity.
Key figures from the involved companies expressed optimism about the joint effort. Akimasa Kaneko, executive vice president of the photonic components business group at NTT Innovative Devices, highlighted the collaboration’s potential to significantly evolve high-speed optical communications and AI infrastructure. He stated, “We are confident that we have prepared the fundamental technologies necessary to realize 400G/lane in a timely manner.”
Matthew Sysak, chief technology officer at Lumentum, emphasized the importance of this milestone for optical interconnects, stating, “This collaboration underscores Lumentum’s expertise in photonics and our commitment to delivering cutting-edge optical components that support the rapid expansion of AI and cloud data centers.”
Joachim Peerlings, vice president of network and data center solutions at Keysight Technologies, noted that the demonstration showcases advancements in high-speed optical communication and reflects the collective strengths of the three companies. He remarked that it is another step towards advancing the AI infrastructure, paving the way for future innovations.
The demonstration of the 448 Gbps technology will be highlighted at booth #1301 during OFC 2025, taking place from April 1-3 at the Moscone Centre in San Francisco, California. This event will serve as a pivotal platform for showcasing advancements that could reshape the future landscape of data processing and communications within the AI and ML domains.
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