Interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free space optics

Abstract

A system for interconnecting a plurality of compute nodes using free-space optics can include a plurality of node optical transceivers electrically coupled to at least some of the plurality of compute nodes. The system can also include a plurality of router optical transceivers that facilitate free-space optical communications with the plurality of node optical transceivers. Each node optical transceiver among the plurality of node optical transceivers can have an optical coupling to a corresponding router optical transceiver of the plurality of router optical transceivers. The system can also include a router coupled to the plurality of router optical transceivers. The router can be configured to route the free-space optical communications between the plurality of compute nodes.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] A data center is a physical facility that houses computer systems and related components. Data centers typically consist of a large number of servers that can be stacked in rows of racks.

[0002] A relatively recent development in data center technology involves disaggregation. Currently, most data centers consist of multiple servers, each comprising one or more central processing units (CPUs) and a certain amount of memory. Disaggregation involves separating the servers into their constituent processing and memory resources, allowing these servers to be allocated as needed based on the requirements of each workload.

[0003] Decoupling servers into resource components provides additional flexibility. Workloads, especially in commercial data centers, can vary dramatically. One of the primary goals of data center operations is to have sufficient resources to cover peak demand while not fully utilizing those same resources during off-peak periods. Decoupling increases the opportunity to supply sufficient resources while ensuring optimal utilization during periods of high demand.

[0004] To achieve de-aggregation, the interconnects between computing resources should provide high bandwidth and low latency, similar to the high bandwidth and low latency provided by communication interfaces within traditional servers. This can be a challenge for data centers with a large number of computing nodes that need to be interconnected. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of node optical transceivers electrically coupled to at least some of the multiple computing nodes. The system also includes a router configured to communicate with the multiple computing nodes via free-space optical communication. The system further includes a plurality of router optical transceivers coupled to the router. The plurality of router optical transceivers are distinct from the plurality of node optical transceivers. Optical transmission between the plurality of router optical transceivers and the plurality of node optical transceivers enables free-space optical communication between the router and the multiple computing nodes. The system also includes a plurality of light sources. The plurality of light sources includes at least one distinct light source for each of the node optical transceivers and for each of the router optical transceivers. The system also includes a plurality of photodetectors. The plurality of photodetectors includes at least one distinct photodetector for each of the node optical transceivers and for each of the router optical transceivers.

[0006] Multiple optical transceivers and routers can interconnect to form a network structure. Multiple computing nodes can then access each other through this network structure.

[0007] Multiple computing nodes can include multiple processing nodes and multiple memory nodes. Multiple processing nodes can be decoupled from all multiple memory nodes. All multiple memory nodes can be accessed by all multiple processing nodes via a network structure.

[0008] Multiple node optical transceivers can be decoupled from the router. Multiple router optical transceivers can be decoupled from multiple computing nodes.

[0009] A first computing node may be electrically coupled to a first node optical transceiver. A first router optical transceiver may be optically coupled to the first node optical transceiver. A second computing node may be electrically coupled to a second node optical transceiver. A second router optical transceiver may be optically coupled to the second node optical transceiver. The first router optical transceiver may be configured to receive a first modulated beam from the first node optical transceiver and demodulate the first modulated beam to extract data. The router may be configured to route data to the second router optical transceiver. The second router optical transceiver may be configured to transmit a second modulated beam to the second node optical transceiver. The second modulated beam may include data.

[0010] A router may include at least one of an electrical cross switch that performs routing operations, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device that performs routing operations, and a prism that performs routing operations.

[0011] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics is disclosed. The system includes a router configured to communicate with the multiple computing nodes via free-space optical communication. The system also includes multiple optical modules electrically coupled to at least some of the multiple computing nodes. The system further includes multiple optical transceivers coupled to the router. The multiple optical transceivers facilitate free-space optical communication with the multiple optical modules. Each of the multiple optical modules has a corresponding optical transceiver optically coupled to it. The system also includes a first plurality of light sources, which are separated from the multiple optical modules and enable free-space optical communication from the router to the multiple optical modules. The system also includes a second plurality of light sources, which are separated from the multiple optical modules and enable free-space optical communication from the multiple optical modules to the router.

[0012] Each of the plurality of optical modules may include a modulator and an optical system. The modulator within a particular optical module may be configured to modulate a beam received from one of a second plurality of light sources to produce a modulated beam. The optical system within a particular optical module may be configured to direct the modulated beam to a router. In some embodiments, the plurality of optical modules may not include any light source.

[0013] Multiple optical modules, multiple optical transceivers, and routers can interconnect multiple computing nodes to form a network structure. These computing nodes can include multiple processing nodes and multiple memory nodes. Multiple processing nodes can be decoupled from all multiple memory nodes. All multiple memory nodes are accessible to all multiple processing nodes via the network structure.

[0014] A first computing node may be electrically coupled to a first optical module. A first optical transceiver may be optically coupled to the first optical module. A second computing node may be electrically coupled to a second optical module. A second optical transceiver may be optically coupled to the second optical module. The first optical transceiver may be configured to receive a first modulated beam from the first optical module and demodulate the first modulated beam to extract data. A router may be configured to route data to the second optical transceiver. The second optical transceiver may be configured to transmit a second modulated beam to the second optical module. The second modulated beam may include data.

[0015] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes located within a housing using free-space optics is disclosed. The system includes a router configured to route free-space optical communication between the multiple computing nodes. The system also includes multiple processing nodes in a first region of the housing. The system further includes multiple optical modules electrically coupled to at least some of the multiple computing nodes. The system also includes multiple memory nodes in a second region of the housing. Each of the multiple memory nodes is electrically coupled to at least one of the multiple processing nodes. The system also includes multiple optical transceivers coupled to the router. The multiple optical transceivers facilitate free-space optical communication with the multiple optical modules. Each of the multiple optical modules has a corresponding optical transceiver optically coupled to it. The system also includes at least one light source positioned outside the first region of the housing and configured to emit a light beam toward the multiple optical modules.

[0016] The first temperature of the first region of the housing can be lower than the second temperature of the second region of the housing.

[0017] Multiple optical modules can be located in the first area of ​​the housing.

[0018] Multiple optical modules can be located in the third area of ​​the housing.

[0019] The first temperature of the first region of the housing can be lower than the second temperature of the second region of the housing. The second temperature can be lower than the third temperature of the third region of the housing.

[0020] Multiple optical modules, multiple optical transceivers, and routers can interconnect multiple computing nodes to form a network structure. Multiple computing nodes can access each other through the network structure.

[0021] Multiple processing nodes can be decoupled from all multiple memory nodes. All multiple memory nodes can be accessed by all multiple processing nodes via a network structure.

[0022] Each of the multiple optical modules may include a modulator and an optical device system. The modulator within a particular optical module may be configured to modulate a light beam received from at least one light source to generate a modulated beam. The optical device system within a particular optical module may be configured to guide the modulated beam to an optical transceiver among multiple optical transceivers.

[0023] A first computing node may be electrically coupled to a first optical module. A first optical transceiver may be optically coupled to the first optical module. A second computing node may be electrically coupled to a second optical module. A second optical transceiver may be optically coupled to the second optical module. The first optical transceiver may be configured to receive a first modulated beam from the first optical module and demodulate the first modulated beam to extract data. A router may be configured to route data to the second optical transceiver. The second optical transceiver may be configured to transmit a second modulated beam to the second optical module. The second modulated beam may include data.

[0024] This summary is provided to present in a simplified form the selection of concepts that will be further described in the detailed embodiments below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0025] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description below. The features and advantages of this disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the systems and methods particularly pointed out in the appended claims. The features of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed subject matter as set forth below. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To describe how the above and other features of this disclosure can be obtained, a more specific description will be presented by reference to particular embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. For better understanding, in the various drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. It should be understood that the drawings depict some exemplary embodiments, and the embodiments will be described and explained with additional features and details using the drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 An example of a system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics, according to this disclosure, is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 An example illustrating how free-space optical communication can occur between a first processing node and a second processing node in a system configured similarly to... Figure 1 The system shown in the figure.

[0029] Figure 3 Another example of a system according to this disclosure for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics is shown, wherein different types of computing nodes are located in different sections of a housing, and the light source is located outside the housing in order to minimize heat generated inside the housing.

[0030] Figure 4 The diagram shows the configuration with Figure 3 The system shown is an example of how free-space optical communication can occur between a first processing node and a second processing node in a system similar to the one illustrated.

[0031] Figure 5 Another example of a system according to this disclosure for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics is shown, wherein different types of computing nodes are located in different sections of the housing, and the light source is located in a section of the housing that is kept at room temperature. Detailed Implementation

[0032] This disclosure generally relates to interconnecting multiple computing resources in a manner that provides high bandwidth and low latency. This can be useful in a variety of computing systems, including de-aggregation computing systems.

[0033] A type of network topology used to provide high-bandwidth and low-latency interconnects between computing resources is sometimes called a network fabric. In this type of architecture, computing resources can be deployed across a relatively small number of highly interconnected layers. Unlike traditional multi-layered architectures, network fabrics effectively flatten the network architecture, thereby reducing the distance between endpoints.

[0034] In theory, wired connections can be used to achieve a network structure that provides high bandwidth and low latency. However, in data centers containing a large number of compute nodes, a large number of wired connections would be required to provide such a network topology. Therefore, interconnecting a large number of compute nodes using wired connections to provide high bandwidth and low latency is impractical.

[0035] This disclosure proposes using free-space optics to create a network structure interconnecting a large number of computing nodes. Free-space optics is an optical communication technology that uses light propagating in free space to transmit data between two points. Free-space optical communication is typically performed using two systems, each including an optical transceiver. The optical transceiver may include an optical transmitter and an optical receiver to provide full-duplex (bidirectional) capability. The optical transmitter may include a light source (e.g., a laser, a light-emitting diode, an infrared emitting diode) and a modulator. The modulator may be configured to alter one or more properties of the light beam generated by the light source and a modulated signal containing the data to be transmitted. The modulated light beam can be transmitted through the atmosphere to an optical receiver. The optical receiver may include a photodetector and a demodulator. The photodetector may be configured to convert the modulated light beam into an electrical signal, and the demodulator may be configured to demodulate the electrical signal to extract the transmitted data.

[0036] In some embodiments, to interconnect multiple computing nodes using free-space optics, at least some of the computing nodes may be electrically coupled to optical transceivers. Alternatively, a router may be provided. The router may be coupled to multiple optical transceivers.

[0037] Free-space optical communication can occur between optical transceivers electrically coupled to a computing node and optical transceivers coupled to a router. In some embodiments, for each optical transceiver coupled to a particular computing node, a corresponding optical transceiver exists at the router. Free-space optical communication transmitted by the optical transceiver at the computing node can be received by the corresponding optical transceiver at the router, and vice versa.

[0038] Routers can be configured to route free-space optical communication between computing nodes in a system. In other words, different computing nodes can communicate with each other through routers. Therefore, routers, optical transceivers coupled to routers, and optical transceivers coupled to computing nodes can work together to interconnect computing nodes to form a network structure.

[0039] Advantageously, the use of free-space optics enables network architectures to have high bandwidth and low latency. In some embodiments, the bandwidth and latency of a network architecture utilizing free-space optics according to the techniques disclosed herein can be similar to the high bandwidth and low latency provided by the interconnect between the CPU and memory in a conventional server. At the same time, the use of free-space optics eliminates the need for a large number of wired connections to achieve the desired high bandwidth and low latency, which is impractical (as stated above).

[0040] In some embodiments, the techniques disclosed herein can be used in de-aggregating computing systems. In de-aggregating computing systems, computing resources can be separated into dedicated nodes, such as processing nodes, memory nodes, storage nodes, etc. The various types of nodes utilized in a computing system are collectively referred to herein as computing nodes. In a de-aggregating system, the term "computing node" can refer to processing nodes, memory nodes, storage nodes, and / or another type of node utilized by the computing system.

[0041] Figure 1 An example of a system 100 in which the techniques disclosed herein can be utilized is shown. System 100 is a de-aggregation computing system comprising multiple computing nodes. Specifically, system 100 is shown having multiple processing nodes 102 and multiple memory nodes 104.

[0042] System 100 also includes multiple optical transceivers. At least some of the computing nodes can be electrically coupled to the optical transceivers. System 100 also includes a router 106 configured to route free-space optical communication between the multiple computing nodes. Router 106 can be coupled to multiple optical transceivers corresponding to at least some of the computing nodes.

[0043] To distinguish between the optical transceiver coupled to the computing node and the optical transceiver coupled to the router 106, the optical transceiver coupled to the router may be referred to herein as router optical transceiver 108, and the optical transceiver coupled to the computing node may be referred to herein as node optical transceiver 110. Router optical transceiver 108 and node optical transceiver 110 are... Figure 1 The abbreviation for this is "OT".

[0044] Node optical transceiver 110, router optical transceiver 108, and router 106 can work together to interconnect computing nodes to form a network structure. The network structure allows all computing nodes to access each other.

[0045] As described above, using free-space optics to construct the network structure eliminates the need for wired connections between computing nodes. This is highly advantageous because, as mentioned above, providing wired connections between computing nodes may be impractical when there are a large number of computing nodes in system 100. Using free-space optics to construct the network structure also enables the network structure to have high bandwidth and low latency, similar to the high bandwidth and low latency provided by the interconnect between the CPU and memory in a traditional server.

[0046] Free-space optical communication can occur between node optical transceiver 110 and router optical transceiver 108. In some embodiments, system 100 can be configured such that for each node optical transceiver 110, a corresponding router optical transceiver 108 is optically coupled to the node optical transceiver 110 at router 106. Free-space optical communication transmitted by a particular node optical transceiver 110 can be received by the corresponding router optical transceiver 108, and vice versa.

[0047] Router 106 can be coupled to router optical transceiver 108. In some embodiments, router 106 can be electrically coupled to router optical transceiver 108. In some embodiments, router 106 can be optically coupled to router optical transceiver 108. Figure 1 In the diagram, the router optical transceiver 108 is shown as part of the router 106. However, in some alternative embodiments, the router optical transceiver 108 may be detached from the router 106 (while still being coupled to the router 106).

[0048] Router 106 can be configured to route free-space optical communication between computing nodes in system 100. In other words, different computing nodes (e.g., processing node 102, memory node 104) can communicate with each other through router 106.

[0049] For example, consider a scenario where a first processing node 102a sends a certain type of communication to a second processing node 102b. In some embodiments, a first node optical transceiver 110a electrically coupled to the first processing node 102a can generate a modulated beam including information that should be transmitted to the second processing node 102b. The first node optical transceiver 110a can transmit the modulated beam to a router optical transceiver 110 corresponding to the first node optical transceiver 110a. The router 106 can determine (e.g., based on the information contained in the modulated beam) that information should be delivered to the second processing node 102b. The router 106 can then cause the router optical transceiver 110 corresponding to the second node optical transceiver 110b to transmit the information to the second node optical transceiver 110b. The following will be discussed in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 2 The description illustrates an example of how this communication occurs.

[0050] As described above, the network structure formed by node optical transceiver 110, router optical transceiver 108, and router 106 enables all computing nodes to access each other. For example, all memory nodes 104 can be accessed by all processing nodes 102 via the network structure.

[0051] More specifically, in Figure 1In the system 100 shown, each processing node 102 is electrically coupled to a memory node 104 via a direct electrical connection 112. The direct electrical connection 112 between the processing node 102 and the memory node 104 can be, for example, a wired connection. The processing node 102 can access the memory node 104 electrically coupled to it via the direct electrical connection 112. For example, a first processing node 102a can access the first memory node 104a via the direct electrical connection 112a between the first processing node 102a and the first memory node 104a. Similarly, a second processing node 102b can access the second memory node 104b via the direct electrical connection 112b between the second processing node 102b and the second memory node 104b.

[0052] However, in the depicted system 100, the processing node 102 is not electrically coupled to any of the memory nodes 104. In other words, there is no direct electrical connection (e.g., wired connection) between each processing node 102 and any of the memory nodes 104 in system 100. For example, the first processing node 102a cannot access the second memory node 104b via a direct electrical connection. Similarly, the second processing node 102b cannot access the first memory node 104a via a direct electrical connection.

[0053] Although there is no direct electrical connection between each processing node 102 and all memory nodes 104, the network structure formed by the node optical transceiver 110, the router optical transceiver 108, and the router 106 allows all processing nodes 102 to access all memory nodes 104. For example, the first processing node 102a can access the second memory node 104b (and all other memory nodes 104 in system 100) via the network structure. Similarly, the second processing node 102b can access the first memory node 104a (and all other memory nodes 104 in system 100) via the network structure. Therefore, even though processing nodes 102 are not electrically coupled to all memory nodes 104 in system 100, processing nodes 102 are electrically or optically coupled to all memory nodes 104 in system 100. Furthermore, as described above, using free-space optics to construct the network structure enables the network structure to have high bandwidth and low latency, similar to the high bandwidth and low latency provided by the interconnect between the CPU and memory in a conventional server.

[0054] Provided for illustrative purposes only Figure 1 The system 100 shown herein, and the specific characteristics of system 100, should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. The techniques disclosed herein can be used in other systems having characteristics different from those in the depicted system 100.

[0055] For example, in the depicted system 100, a node optical transceiver 110 is coupled to each processing node 102. However, in some embodiments, more than one node optical transceiver 110 may be coupled to each processing node 102. Similarly, more than one router optical transceiver 108 may be present corresponding to each processing node 102 (or other types of compute nodes).

[0056] As another example, only processing node 102 and memory node 104 are shown in the depicted system 100. However, in alternative embodiments, other types of computing nodes (e.g., storage nodes) may be utilized.

[0057] As another example, in the depicted system 100, each processing node 102 is electrically coupled (e.g., has a direct electrical connection 112) to only one memory node 104. However, in alternative embodiments, at least some processing nodes may be electrically coupled to more than one memory node and / or may not be electrically coupled to any single memory node.

[0058] As another example, in the depicted system 100, each processing node 102 is electrically coupled to a node optical transceiver 110, and each node optical transceiver 110 may include a light source for generating a modulated beam of light that is emitted to a router optical transceiver 108. However, in some alternative embodiments, the processing nodes may not be electrically coupled to the optical transceiver containing the light source. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[0059] As another example, the depicted system 100 is a de-aggregated computing system in which computing resources are separated into dedicated nodes (e.g., processing node 102, memory node 104). However, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to de-aggregated computing systems. The techniques disclosed herein for interconnecting computing nodes using free-space optics can be implemented in systems comprising multiple conventional servers.

[0060] Figure 2 An example illustrating how free-space optical communication can occur between multiple computing nodes is shown. This will be configured similarly to... Figure 1 The system 100 shown in the figure is used to describe this example. Figure 2 The various components shown are Figure 1 Examples of possible implementations of the corresponding components in system 100 shown.

[0061] For simplicity, the example depicted relates to communication between a first processing node 202a and a second processing node 202b. The first processing node 202a is coupled to a first node optical transceiver 210a, and the second processing node 202b is coupled to a second node optical transceiver 210b. Router 206 includes multiple router optical transceivers, including a first router optical transceiver 208a and a second router optical transceiver 208b. For the purposes of this example, it will be assumed that the first router optical transceiver 208a is optically coupled to the first node optical transceiver 210a, and the second router optical transceiver 208b is optically coupled to the second node optical transceiver 210b.

[0062] Both the first node optical transceiver 210a and the second node optical transceiver 210b may include a receiving module configured to receive free-space optical communication from the router 206. Specifically, the first node optical transceiver 210a may include a receiving module 282a, and the second node optical transceiver 210b may include a receiving module 282b. The receiving module 282a in the first node optical transceiver 210a may include a photodetector 270a and a demodulator 272a. The receiving module 282b in the second node optical transceiver 210b may include a photodetector 270b and a demodulator 272b.

[0063] Both the first router optical transceiver 208a and the second router optical transceiver 208b may include a transmitting module configured to transmit free-space optical communication to the first node optical transceiver 210a and the second node optical transceiver 210b, respectively. Specifically, the first router optical transceiver 208a may include a transmitting module 284a, and the second router optical transceiver 208b may include a transmitting module 284b. The transmitting module 284a in the first router optical transceiver 208a may include a light source 220a and a modulator 266a. The transmitting module 284b in the second router optical transceiver 208b may include a light source 220b and a modulator 266b.

[0064] The transmitting module 284a in the first router optical transceiver 208a and the receiving module 282a in the first node optical transceiver 210a enable the router 206 to transmit data to the first processing node 202a. More specifically, the light source 220a in the first router optical transceiver 208a can generate a light beam aimed at the photodetector 270a in the first node optical transceiver 210a. The light beam can be modulated by the modulator 266a based on a modulation signal including the data to be transmitted. The photodetector 270a in the first node optical transceiver 210a can detect the modulated light beam and convert it into an electrical signal. The demodulator 272a in the first node optical transceiver 210a can be configured to extract data from the electrical signal generated by the photodetector 270a. This data can then be provided to the first processing node 202a.

[0065] Similarly, the transmitting module 284b in the second router optical transceiver 208b and the receiving module 282b in the second node optical transceiver 210b enable the router 206 to transmit data to the second processing node 202b. More specifically, the light source 220b in the second router optical transceiver 208b can generate a light beam aimed at the photodetector 270b in the second node optical transceiver 210b. The light beam can be modulated by the modulator 266b based on a modulation signal including the data to be transmitted. The photodetector 270b in the second node optical transceiver 210b can detect the modulated light beam and convert it into an electrical signal. The demodulator 272b in the second node optical transceiver 210b can be configured to extract data from the electrical signal generated by the photodetector 270b. This data can then be provided to the second processing node 202b.

[0066] Both the first-node optical transceiver 210a and the second-node optical transceiver 210b may include a transmitting module configured to send free-space optical communication to the router 206. Specifically, the first-node optical transceiver 210a may include a transmitting module 286a, and the second-node optical transceiver 210b may include a transmitting module 286b. The transmitting module 286a in the first-node optical transceiver 210a may include a light source 222a and a modulator 274a. Similarly, the transmitting module 286b in the second-node optical transceiver 210b may include a light source 222b and a modulator 274b.

[0067] Both the first router optical transceiver 208a and the second router optical transceiver 208b may include a receiving module configured to receive free-space optical communication from the first node optical transceiver 210a and the second node optical transceiver 210b, respectively. Specifically, the first router optical transceiver 208a may include a receiving module 288a, and the second router optical transceiver 208b may include a receiving module 288b. The receiving module 288a in the first router optical transceiver 208a may include a photodetector 268a and a demodulator 276a. The receiving module 288b in the second router optical transceiver 208b may include a photodetector 268b and a demodulator 276b.

[0068] The transmitting module 286a in the first node optical transceiver 210a and the receiving module 288a in the first router optical transceiver 208a enable the first processing node 202a to send data to the router 206. More specifically, the light source 222a in the first node optical transceiver 210a can generate a light beam aimed at the photodetector 268a in the first router optical transceiver 208a. The light beam can be modulated by the modulator 274a based on a modulation signal including the data to be transmitted. The photodetector 268a in the first router optical transceiver 208a can detect the modulated light beam and convert it into an electrical signal. The demodulator 276a in the first router optical transceiver 208a can be configured to extract data from the electrical signal generated by the photodetector 268a. This data can then be provided to the routing module 230 within the router 206.

[0069] The transmitting module 286b in the second node optical transceiver 210b and the receiving module 288b in the second router optical transceiver 208b enable the second processing node 202b to send data to the router 206. More specifically, the light source 222b in the second node optical transceiver 210b can generate a light beam aimed at the photodetector 268b in the second router optical transceiver 208b. The light beam can be modulated by the modulator 274b based on a modulation signal including the data to be transmitted. The photodetector 268b in the second router optical transceiver 208b can detect the modulated light beam and convert it into an electrical signal. The demodulator 276b in the second router optical transceiver 208b can be configured to extract data from the electrical signal generated by the photodetector 268b. This data can then be provided to the routing module 230 within the router 206.

[0070] An example involving communication from the first processing node 202a to the second processing node 202b will now be described. In this example, it will be assumed that the first processing node 202a has data to be sent to the second processing node 202b.

[0071] When the first processing node 202a has data to be sent to the second processing node 202b, the transmitting module 286a in the first node optical transceiver 210a can send the data to the receiving module 288a in the first router optical transceiver 208a in the manner described above. Along with the data, the transmitting module 286a can also send an indication of the intended destination of the data to the receiving module 288a, which in this example is the second processing node 202b. The receiving module 288a can provide the data and the indication of the intended destination to the routing module 230. The routing module 230 can then provide the data corresponding to the intended destination to the optical transceiver, which in this example is the second router optical transceiver 208b. The transmitting module 284b in the second router optical transceiver 208b can send the data to the receiving module 282b in the second node optical transceiver 210b in the manner described above. Then, the second node optical transceiver 210b can provide the data to the second processing node 202b.

[0072] The second processing node 202b can also send data to the first processing node 202a in a similar manner. When the second processing node 202b has data to send to the first processing node 202a, the sending module 286b in the second node optical transceiver 210b can send the data to the receiving module 288b in the second router optical transceiver 208b in the manner described above. Along with the data, the sending module 286b can also send an indication of the intended destination of the data to the receiving module 288b, which in this example is the first processing node 202a. The receiving module 288b can provide the data and the indication of the intended destination of the data to the routing module 230. The routing module 230 can then provide the data corresponding to the intended destination of the data to the optical transceiver, which in this example is the first router optical transceiver 208a. The sending module 284a in the first router optical transceiver 208a can send the data to the receiving module 282a in the first node optical transceiver 210a in the manner described above. Then, the first node optical transceiver 210a can provide the data to the first processing node 202a.

[0073] exist Figure 2In the example shown, bidirectional communication exists between router 206 and each processing node. Communication from router 206 to the first processing node 202a occurs from the transmitting module 284a in the first router optical transceiver 208a to the receiving module 282a in the first node optical transceiver 210a. Communication from the first processing node 202a to router 206 occurs from the transmitting module 286a in the first node optical transceiver 210a to the receiving module 288a in the first router optical transceiver 208a. Communication from router 206 to the second processing node 202b occurs from the transmitting module 284b in the second router optical transceiver 208b to the receiving module 282b in the second node optical transceiver 210b. Communication from the second processing node 202b to router 206 occurs from the transmitting module 286b in the second node optical transceiver 210b to the receiving module 288b in the second router optical transceiver 208b.

[0074] In some embodiments, the transmitting module in a particular optical transceiver is optically aligned with the receiving module in a corresponding optical transceiver. Figure 2 In the example shown, the transmitting module 284a in the first router optical transceiver 208a is optically aligned with the receiving module 282a in the first node optical transceiver 210a. The transmitting module 286a in the first node optical transceiver 210a is optically aligned with the receiving module 288a in the first router optical transceiver 208a. The transmitting module 284b in the second router optical transceiver 208b is optically aligned with the receiving module 282b in the second node optical transceiver 210b. The transmitting module 286b in the second node optical transceiver 210b is optically aligned with the receiving module 288b in the second router optical transceiver 208b.

[0075] In some embodiments, light sources 220a-b and 222a-b can remain powered on at all times (or substantially all times). Modulators 266a-b and 274a-b can be activated when data to be transmitted is available. When a particular processing node has data to send to another processing node, the processing node with the data to be transmitted can initiate communication with router 206 (if the processing node has not yet communicated with router 206). The processing node with the data to be transmitted can request access to transmit the data through router 206.

[0076] In some embodiments, Figure 2 The node optical transceivers 210a-b shown can represent Figure 1 The node optical transceiver 110 shown is an example. In other words, Figure 1 The node optical transceiver 110 shown can be connected with Figure 2 The node optical transceivers 210a-b shown are similarly configured. Similarly, Figure 2The router optical transceiver 208a-b shown can represent Figure 1 The router optical transceiver 108 shown is illustrated. In other words, Figure 1 The router optical transceiver 108 in the system 100 shown can be similar to Figure 2 The system 200 shown is configured with router optical transceivers 208a-b. In some embodiments, Figure 1 Any two processing nodes 102 in the system 100 shown can communicate with each other in a manner similar to how the first processing node 202a and the second processing node 202b communicate with each other.

[0077] Of course, the specific configurations of router optical transceivers 208a-b and node optical transceivers 210a-b are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. According to this disclosure, optical transceivers can be configured in many different ways.

[0078] Figure 2 The light sources 220a-b and 222a-b shown can be any device that emits electromagnetic radiation in a form that can be used for optical communication. For example, light sources 220a-b and 222a-b can be configured to emit a light beam that can be modulated to transmit information. Some examples of light sources 220a-b and 222a-b that can be used include lasers, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and infrared emitting diodes (IREDs).

[0079] Photodetectors 268a-b and 270a-b can be any device configured to convert light into an electrical signal. Some examples of photodetectors 268a-b and 270a-b include photodiodes and phototransistors.

[0080] Router optical transceivers 208a-b and node optical transceivers 210a-b may also include one or more communication interfaces to one or more other devices. Router optical transceivers 208a-b may include one or more communication interfaces to the routing module 230 within router 206. Node optical transceivers 210a-b may include one or more communication interfaces to the processing node. For example, the first node optical transceiver 210a may include a communication interface to the first processing node 202a, and the second node optical transceiver 210b may include a communication interface to the second processing node 202b.

[0081] As described above, when the routing module 230 receives data from a specific processing node, the routing module 230 can determine the expected destination of the data. In some embodiments, the routing module 230 can determine the expected destination of the data based on information included in the data itself (e.g., an address). Alternatively, the routing module 230 can determine the expected destination of the data based on information sent to the routing module 230 in another signal.

[0082] The routing module 230 can be implemented in various different ways. For example, in some embodiments, the routing module 230 can be implemented using one or more electrical cross switches. As another example, in some embodiments, the routing module 230 can be implemented using one or more microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices configured to perform routing operations. As yet another example, in some embodiments, the routing module 230 can be implemented using one or more prisms configured to perform routing operations.

[0083] In the above discussion, it is assumed that the routing module 230 is electrically coupled to the router optical transceivers 208a-b. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the routing module 230 may be optically coupled to the router optical transceivers 208a-b. For example, in embodiments where the routing module 230 is implemented using one or more MEMS devices and / or one or more prisms, the routing module 230 may be optically coupled to the router optical transceivers 208a-b. In such embodiments, the modulated beam does not need to be converted into an electrical signal before being provided to the routing module 230. Instead, in such embodiments, the routing module 230 may receive the modulated beam from one node optical transceiver (e.g., the first node optical transceiver 210a) and simply redirect the modulated beam to another node optical transceiver (e.g., the second node optical transceiver 210b) without converting it into an electrical signal.

[0084] In conjunction with the above Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example discussed, each node optical transceiver includes a light source. Therefore, when a particular processing node sends data to the router, the light source in the node optical transceiver coupled to the processing node generates a beam of light, which can then be modulated based on the data to be transmitted.

[0085] In the previously described implementation types, multiple light sources are located adjacent to the computing nodes. However, in some embodiments, this architecture may not be desirable. In some cases, it may be advantageous to locate the light sources elsewhere.

[0086] Figure 3 This illustrates another example of a system 300 in which the techniques disclosed herein can be utilized. More specifically, Figure 3Another example of a system 300 for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics, according to this disclosure, is shown. In the depicted system 300, the light source is positioned separately from the computing nodes to minimize heat generated near the computing nodes. Some potential benefits of this system architecture will be discussed below.

[0087] Figure 3 The system 300 shown is similar in several respects to Figure 1 The system 100 shown is illustrated. For example, system 300 includes multiple computing nodes. Specifically, system 300 is shown having multiple processing nodes 302 and multiple memory nodes 304. Furthermore, system 300 includes a router 306 coupled to multiple optical transceivers 308.

[0088] However, in the depicted system, the light source that generates the beam used to transmit free-space optical communication from processing node 302 to router 306 is located at a certain distance from processing node 302. In other words, compared with... Figure 1 Unlike the system 100 shown, the processing node 302 is not coupled to an optical transceiver that includes a light source. Instead, the processing node 302 is coupled to an optical module 350 that does not include a light source. Some potential benefits of this will be described below. The optical module 350 is... Figure 3 The abbreviation for this is "OM".

[0089] Free-space optical communication can occur between the optical transceiver 308 coupled to the router 306 and the optical module 350 coupled to the processing node 302. However, because the optical module 350 does not include a light source, the manner in which free-space optical communication occurs in the depicted system 300 differs to some extent from that in other systems. Figure 1 The free-space optical communication occurs in the system 100 shown.

[0090] More specifically, the optical module 350 can be similar to the node optical transceiver 110 from... Figure 1 The system 100 shown in the diagram illustrates how router 106 receives free-space optical communication from router 306. However, because optical module 350 does not include a light source, the way optical module 350 sends free-space optical communication to router 306 can differ from how node optical transceiver 110 sends free-space optical communication to... Figure 1 The router 106 in system 100 shown is configured as follows.

[0091] In order for the optical module 350 to transmit free-space optical communication to the router 306 in the depicted system 300, the router 306 itself may include one or more light sources 336 that generate a light beam and aim the beam at the optical module 350. Each optical module 350 may include a modulator configured to modulate the light beam received from the router 306, and an optical system for reflecting the modulated beam back to the router 306. Examples of the optical module 350 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0092] exist Figure 3 In the diagram, multiple light sources 336 are shown within router 306. Alternatively, the multiple light sources 336 may be detached from router 306. In some embodiments, the multiple light sources 336 may be detached from router 306 but also coupled to router 306. In some embodiments, the multiple light sources 336 may be detached from router 306 and not coupled to router 306.

[0093] In some embodiments, system 300 can be configured such that for each optical module 350, there is a corresponding optical transceiver 308 coupled to router 306 and optically coupled to optical module 350. Router 306, the optical transceiver 308 coupled to router 306, and optical module 350 can work together to interconnect computing nodes to form a network structure. Similar to... Figure 1 The network structure in system 100 shown in the figure, and the network structure in system 300 depicted in the figure, enable all computing nodes to access each other. For example, all memory nodes 304 can be accessed by all processing nodes 302 via the network structure.

[0094] In the depicted system 300, the computing nodes are located within a housing 338. In some embodiments, the housing 338 may be a tank, such as a tank that can be used in a cryogenic computing system (which may be referred to herein as a cryogenic tank).

[0095] Generally speaking, cryogenics refers to the production and behavior of materials at extremely low temperatures. The impact of cryogenics on various aspects of computing systems is currently being investigated. Some researchers have concluded that developing chips for operation at extremely low temperatures offers significant advantages over their conventional counterparts (e.g., significantly faster). With increasing challenges in conventional approaches to improving the performance of computing systems, some researchers believe that significant changes in the operating temperatures of computing components (e.g., processors, memory) utilizing cryogenic technologies may be important for the future development of computing systems. Because cryogenic computing systems will be designed to operate at extremely low temperatures, computing nodes operating in cryogenic computing systems can reside in containers cooled to desired temperatures (multiple).

[0096] Of course, in some embodiments... Figure 3The enclosure 338 shown can be implemented as something other than a cryogenic tank. For example, in some embodiments, the enclosure 338 can be a rack, such as a server rack commonly used in data centers. In other embodiments, the enclosure 338 can be another type of container, such as a tub, a vat, etc.

[0097] As described above, computing nodes developed for cryogenic computing systems can be designed to operate at extremely low temperatures. However, in cryogenic computing systems, some types of computing nodes may be able to operate at even lower temperatures than other types of computing nodes. For example, processing node 302 in a cryogenic computing system may be designed to operate at extremely low temperatures, while memory node 304 in a cryogenic computing system may be designed to operate at slightly higher temperatures.

[0098] In embodiments where the housing 338 is a cryogenic vessel designed for use in a cryogenic computing system, the housing 338 may include different regions for different types of computing nodes. For example, in some embodiments, the housing 338 may include a first region 340 and a second region 342. Figure 3 In the design, a processing node 302 is shown in a first region 340 of the housing 338, and a memory node 304 is shown in a second region 342 of the housing 338. The first region 340 may be designed for extremely low temperatures, such as those suitable for the processing node 302. The second region 342 may be designed for slightly higher temperatures, such as those suitable for the memory node 304. As a specific example, in some embodiments, the first region 340 of the housing 338 may be designed for a temperature of approximately 4 K, and the second region 342 of the housing 338 may be designed for a temperature of approximately 77 K.

[0099] Light sources can generate a significant amount of heat. Therefore, coupling the processing node 302 to an optical module 350 that does not contain a light source makes it easier to maintain the first region 340 of the housing 338 at extremely low temperatures suitable for the processing node 302 in a cryogenic computing system. If the optical module 350 includes a light source (similar to in...), Figure 1 If the node optical transceiver 110 in the system 100 shown in the figure is used, this will add a significant amount of heat to the first region 340 of the housing 338, and thus increase the cost of cooling the first region 340 of the housing to the desired temperature.

[0100] The above discussion focuses on a potential benefit of coupling processing node 302 to an optical module 350 that does not contain a light source, and this benefit is particularly relevant to cryogenic computing systems. However, this architecture can be used in embodiments that do not involve cryogenic computing systems. For example, even if system 300 is designed such that all computing nodes (e.g., processing node 302 and memory node 304) operate at the same temperature (e.g., room temperature), it is still advantageous to couple processing node 302 to an optical module 350 that does not contain a light source and alternatively utilize an external light source 336. For example, the performance of processing node 302 can be improved due to the reduction in heat generated by utilizing optical module 350 instead of node optical transceiver 110.

[0101] Figure 4 An example illustrating how free-space optical communication can occur between multiple computing nodes is shown. This will be configured similarly to... Figure 3 The system 300 shown in the figure is used to describe this example. Figure 4 The various components shown are Figure 3 Examples of possible implementations of the corresponding components in system 300 shown.

[0102] For simplicity, the example depicted relates to communication between a first processing node 402a and a second processing node 402b. The first processing node 402a is coupled to a first optical module 450a, and the second processing node 402b is coupled to a second optical module 450b. Router 406 includes a plurality of optical transceivers, including a first optical transceiver 408a and a second optical transceiver 408b. For the purposes of this example, it will be assumed that the first optical transceiver 408a is optically coupled to the first optical module 450a, and the second optical transceiver 408b is optically coupled to the second optical module 450b.

[0103] Both the first optical module 450a and the second optical module 450b may include a receiving module configured to receive free-space optical communication from the router 406. Specifically, the first optical module 450a may include a receiving module 482a, and the second optical module 450b may include a receiving module 482b. The receiving module 482a in the first optical module 450a may include a photodetector 470a and a demodulator 472a. The receiving module 482b in the second optical module 450b may include a photodetector 470b and a demodulator 472b.

[0104] Both the first optical transceiver 408a and the second optical transceiver 408b may include a transmitting module configured to transmit free-space optical communication to the first optical module 450a and the second optical module 450b, respectively. Specifically, the first optical transceiver 408a may include a transmitting module 484a, and the second optical transceiver 408b may include a transmitting module 484b. The transmitting module 484a in the first optical transceiver 408a may include a light source 420a and a modulator 466a. The transmitting module 484b in the second optical transceiver 408b may include a light source 420b and a modulator 466b.

[0105] The transmitting module 484a in the first optical transceiver 408a and the receiving module 482a in the first optical module 450a enable the router 406 to transmit data to the first processing node 402a. More specifically, the light source 420a in the first optical transceiver 408a can generate a light beam aimed at the photodetector 470a in the first optical module 450a. The light beam can be modulated by the modulator 466a based on a modulation signal including the data to be transmitted. The photodetector 470a in the first optical module 450a can detect the modulated light beam and convert it into an electrical signal. The demodulator 472a in the first optical module 450a can be configured to extract data from the electrical signal generated by the photodetector 470a. This data can then be provided to the first processing node 402a.

[0106] Similarly, the transmitting module 484b in the second optical transceiver 408b and the receiving module 482b in the second optical module 450b enable the router 406 to send data to the second processing node 402b. More specifically, the light source 420b in the second optical transceiver 408b can generate a light beam aimed at the photodetector 470b in the second optical module 450b. The light beam can be modulated by the modulator 466b based on a modulation signal including the data to be transmitted. The photodetector 470b in the second optical module 450b can detect the modulated light beam and convert it into an electrical signal. The demodulator 472b in the second optical module 450b can be configured to extract data from the electrical signal generated by the photodetector 470b. This data can then be provided to the second processing node 402b.

[0107] Both the first optical module 450a and the second optical module 450b may include a transmitting module configured to send free-space optical communication to the router 406. Specifically, the first optical module 450a may include a transmitting module 486a, and the second optical module 450b may include a transmitting module 486b. The transmitting module 486a in the first optical module 450a may include a modulator 474a and an optical device system, which may include mirrors 4781a and 4781b. Similarly, the transmitting module 486b in the second optical module 450b may include a modulator 474b and an optical device system, which may include mirrors 4782a and 4782b.

[0108] Both the first optical transceiver 408a and the second optical transceiver 408b may include a receiving module configured to receive free-space optical communication from the first optical module 450a and the second optical module 450b, respectively. Specifically, the first optical transceiver 408a may include a receiving module 488a, and the second optical transceiver 408b may include a receiving module 488b. The receiving module 488a in the first optical transceiver 408a may include a light source 436a, a photodetector 468a, and a demodulator 476a. The receiving module 488b in the second optical transceiver 408b may include a light source 436b, a photodetector 468b, and a demodulator 476b.

[0109] The transmitting module 486a in the first optical module 450a and the receiving module 488a in the first optical transceiver 408a enable the first processing node 402a to send data to the router 406. More specifically, the light source 436a in the receiving module 488a can aim a light beam at the first optical module 450a. The optical system in the transmitting module 486a can guide the light beam toward the modulator 474a. In the depicted example, the mirror 4781a reflects the light beam in the direction of the modulator 474a. The modulator 474a can modulate the light beam based on a modulation signal including the data to be transmitted, thereby generating a modulated light beam. In this example, the optical system in the transmitting module 486a can guide the modulated light beam toward the first optical transceiver 408a at the router 406, which is optically coupled to the first optical module 450a (as mentioned above). In the depicted example, the mirror 4781b reflects the modulated light beam in the direction of the photodetector 468a in the receiving module 488a. The photodetector 468a in the receiving module 488a can detect the modulated beam and convert it into an electrical signal. The demodulator 476a in the receiving module 488a can extract data from the electrical signal generated by the photodetector 468a. This data can then be provided to the routing module 430 within the router 406.

[0110] Similarly, the transmitting module 486b in the second optical module 450b and the receiving module 488b in the second optical transceiver 408b enable the second processing node 402b to transmit data to the router 406. More specifically, the light source 436b in the receiving module 488b can be aimed at the light beam at the second optical module 450b. The optical system in the transmitting module 486b can guide the light beam toward the modulator 474b. In the depicted example, the mirror 4782a reflects the light beam in the direction of the modulator 474b. The modulator 474b can modulate the light beam based on a modulation signal including the data to be transmitted, thereby generating a modulated light beam. In this example, the optical system in the transmitting module 486b can guide the modulated light beam to the second optical transceiver 408b at the router 406, which is optically coupled to the second optical module 450b (as mentioned above). In the depicted example, the mirror 4782b reflects the modulated light beam in the direction of the photodetector 468b in the receiving module 488b. The photodetector 468b in the receiving module 488b can detect the modulated beam and convert it into an electrical signal. The demodulator 476b in the receiving module 488b can extract data from the electrical signal generated by the photodetector 468b. This data can then be provided to the routing module 430 within the router 406.

[0111] An example involving communication from a first processing node 402a to a second processing node 402b will now be described. In this example, it will be assumed that the first processing node 402a has data to be sent to the second processing node 402b.

[0112] When the first processing node 402a has data to be sent to the second processing node 402b, the transmitting module 486a in the first optical module 450a can send the data to the receiving module 488a in the first optical transceiver 408a in the manner described above. Along with the data, the transmitting module 486a can also send an indication of the intended destination of the data to the receiving module 488a, which in this example is the second processing node 402b. The receiving module 488a can then provide the data and the indication of the intended destination to the routing module 430. The routing module 430 can then provide the data to the optical transceiver corresponding to the intended destination of the data, which in this example is the second optical transceiver 408b. The transmitting module 484b in the second optical transceiver 408b can then send the data to the receiving module 482b in the second optical module 450b in the manner described above. The second optical module 450b can then provide the data to the second processing node 402b.

[0113] The second processing node 402b can also send data to the first processing node 402a in a similar manner. When the second processing node 402b has data to be sent to the first processing node 402a, the transmitting module 486b in the second optical module 450b can send the data to the receiving module 488b in the second optical transceiver 408b in the manner described above. Along with the data, the transmitting module 486b can also send an indication of the intended destination of the data to the receiving module 488b, which in this example is the first processing node 402a. The receiving module 488b can provide the data and the indication of the intended destination of the data to the routing module 430. The routing module 430 can then provide the data to the optical transceiver corresponding to the intended destination of the data, which in this example is the first optical transceiver 408a. The transmitting module 484a in the first optical transceiver 408a can send the data to the receiving module 482a in the first optical module 450a in the manner described above. The first optical module 450a can then provide the data to the first processing node 402a.

[0114] In some embodiments, Figure 4 The optical modules 450a-b shown can represent Figure 3 The optical module 350 shown. In other words, Figure 3 The optical module 350 in the system 300 shown can be connected with Figure 4 The optical modules 450a-b shown are similarly configured. Similarly, Figure 4 The optical transceivers 408a-b shown can represent Figure 3 The optical transceiver 308 shown is an example. In other words, Figure 3 The optical transceiver 308 in the system 300 shown can be similar to Figure 4 The system 400 shown is configured with optical transceivers 408a-b. In some embodiments, Figure 3 Any two processing nodes 302 in the system 300 shown can communicate with each other in a manner similar to how the first processing node 402a and the second processing node 402b communicate with each other.

[0115] exist Figure 3 In the system 300 shown, the light source 336 and the optical transceiver 308 are shown separately. However, in some embodiments, the light source 336 may be included within the optical transceiver 308. For example, in Figure 4 In the example shown, light source 436a-b is shown as part of optical transceiver 408a-b.

[0116] Of course, the specific configurations of the first optical module 450a, the second optical module 450b, the first optical transceiver 408a, and the second optical transceiver 408b are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure. According to this disclosure, the optical modules and optical transceivers can be configured in many different ways.

[0117] In the depicted embodiments, each of the emitting modules 486a-b in the optical modules 450a-b includes an optical device system, and each optical device system includes a mirror. More specifically, the optical device system in emitting module 486a includes mirrors 4781a and 4781b, and the optical device system in emitting module 486b includes mirrors 4782a and 4782b. However, in alternative embodiments, other types of optical components (e.g., lenses, gratings) may be used in the optical device system. These other optical components may be used in addition to or in place of mirrors.

[0118] The routing module 430 can be combined in a similar way to the above. Figure 2 The routing module 230 discussed is used for implementation. For example, the routing module 430 can be implemented using one or more electrical cross switches, one or more MEMS devices, one or more prisms, etc. In embodiments where the routing module 430 is implemented using one or more MEMS devices and / or one or more prisms, the modulated beam detected by the photodetectors 468a-b does not need to be converted into an electrical signal.

[0119] The above discussion Figure 3 This represents one example of a system 300 in which the light source and computing nodes are positioned separately. However, there are many other possible ways to design such a system. Figure 5 Another example of a system 500 for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics is shown, wherein the light source is positioned separately from the computing nodes.

[0120] System 500 is similar to in several ways Figure 3 The system 300 is shown in the diagram. For example, system 500 includes multiple computing nodes. Specifically, system 500 is shown having multiple processing nodes 502 and multiple memory nodes 504. Furthermore, system 500 includes a router 506 coupled to multiple optical transceivers 508. The processing nodes 502 are electrically coupled to an optical module 550, which, in the depicted embodiment, does not include a light source. To enable the optical module 550 to transmit free-space optical communication to the router 506, the router 506 includes one or more light sources 536 that generate a light beam and aim it at the optical module 550. The computing nodes are located within a housing 538. The housing may include different areas for different types of computing nodes.

[0121] In the depicted example, the housing comprises three distinct regions: a first region 540, a second region 542, and a third region 544. A processing node 502 is shown in the first region 540 of the housing 538. A memory node 504 is shown in the second region 542 of the housing 538. A router 506, including a light source 536 and an optical transceiver 508, is shown in the third region 544 of the housing 538. Optical modules 550 are primarily located in the third region 544 of the housing 538, but some portions of some optical modules 550 are located in the second region 542.

[0122] In some embodiments, housing 538 may be a cryogenic vessel designed for use in cryogenic computing systems. As described above, in cryogenic computing systems, some types of computing nodes are capable of operating at lower temperatures than other types of computing nodes. In some embodiments, first region 540 may be designed for extremely low temperatures, such as temperatures suitable for processing node 502. Second region 542 may be designed for slightly higher temperatures, such as temperatures suitable for memory node 504. Third region 544 may be designed for room temperature. As a specific example, in some embodiments, first region 540 of housing 538 may be designed for a temperature of approximately 4K, second region 542 of housing 538 may be designed for a temperature of approximately 77K, and third region 544 of housing 538 may be designed for a temperature of approximately 300K.

[0123] Because the third area 544 of the enclosure 538 can be designed for room temperature, the router 506 can be located within the third area 544. Figure 3 In the system 300 shown, the router 306 is positioned outside the housing 338 because the router 306 includes light sources (light source 336 at the modulator within the optical module 350, and light source within the optical transceiver 308), which generate a significant amount of heat. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the entire housing 338 is kept below room temperature. As mentioned above, if the router 306 (including its light source) is located inside the housing 338, this would increase the cost of cooling the housing 338. Therefore, in Figure 3 In the system 300 shown, it may be advantageous to position the router 306 outside the enclosure 338. Conversely, in Figure 5 In the system 500 shown, the third region 544 of the housing 538 can be maintained at room temperature. Because the third region 544 of the housing 538 is not cooled, the router 506 (including its light source) can be located inside the housing 538.

[0124] In some embodiments, a "network architecture" refers to a computer network architecture in which multiple computing systems or computing nodes are interconnected. In some embodiments, the computing systems or computing nodes in the network architecture may be interconnected using routers, switches, and other types of network components. In some embodiments, the computing systems or computing nodes in the network architecture may be interconnected in a manner that provides low latency and / or high bandwidth interconnection between the various computing systems or computing nodes. In some embodiments, the computing systems or computing nodes in the network architecture may be interconnected using relatively few layers (e.g., two or three layers). This essentially flattens the network architecture, thereby reducing the distance between endpoints.

[0125] In some embodiments, if the two components are electrically coupled, optically coupled, or mechanically coupled, then the two components are "coupled".

[0126] In some embodiments, two components are “electrically coupled” if current can flow from one component to another. In some embodiments, two electrically coupled components may be in direct contact with each other, allowing current to flow directly from one component to the other. However, this is not required. In some embodiments, two electrically coupled components may not be in direct contact with each other. Any number of other conductive materials and components may be electrically coupled between two electrically coupled components, as long as current can flow therebetween.

[0127] In some embodiments, if there is an optical path between two optical components, then the two optical components are "optically coupled". Therefore, in such embodiments, if the second optical component receives an optical transmission sent by the first component, the first optical component (e.g., node optical transceiver 110) can be considered optically coupled to the second optical component (e.g., router optical transceiver 108).

[0128] In some embodiments, if there is a direct optical path between two optical components that does not require redirection of the optical transmission between the two optical components, then the two optical components are "optically aligned". In some embodiments, if the optical transmission sent by the first component is received by the second optical component without any intervening optical component between the first and second optical components, then the first optical component (e.g., the transmitting module 284a in the router optical transceiver 208a) can be considered optically aligned with the second optical component (e.g., the receiving module 282a in the node optical transceiver 210a).

[0129] The term "determine" (and its grammatical variations) encompasses a wide range of actions, and therefore, "determine" can include calculation, operation, processing, derivation, investigation, lookup (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), assertion, and so on. Furthermore, "determine" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), etc. Additionally, "determine" can include parsing, selecting, choosing, building, etc.

[0130] The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements may be present in addition to those listed. Furthermore, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “embodiment” in this disclosure are not intended to exclude the existence of additional embodiments that also include the referenced features. For example, any element or feature described with respect to embodiments herein may be combined with any element or feature of any other embodiment described herein, where compatible.

[0131] The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and this disclosure may be embodied in forms other than those specifically described herein. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Changes in the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics, the multiple computing nodes including multiple processing nodes and multiple memory nodes, the multiple processing nodes and the multiple memory nodes being arranged such that the multiple processing nodes are not electrically coupled to all of the multiple memory nodes, the system comprising: Multiple node optical transceivers are electrically coupled to at least some of the multiple computing nodes; The router is configured to communicate with the plurality of computing nodes via free-space optical communication; Multiple router optical transceivers are coupled to the router, wherein the multiple router optical transceivers are different from the multiple node optical transceivers, and the optical transmission between the multiple router optical transceivers and the multiple node optical transceivers realizes the free space optical communication between the router and the multiple computing nodes; A network structure interconnects the plurality of computing nodes, such that the plurality of computing nodes are accessible to each other via the network structure, the network structure including the plurality of node optical transceivers, the plurality of router optical transceivers, and the router, the network structure being configured such that all the plurality of memory nodes are accessible to all the plurality of processing nodes via the network structure; Multiple light sources, wherein the multiple light sources include at least one different light source for each of the multiple node optical transceivers and for each of the multiple router optical transceivers; as well as A plurality of photodetectors, wherein the plurality of photodetectors includes at least one different photodetector for each of the plurality of node optical transceivers and for each of the plurality of router optical transceivers.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of node optical transceivers are not electrically coupled to the router; and The optical transceivers of the multiple routers are not electrically coupled to the multiple computing nodes.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first computing node is electrically coupled to the first node optical transceiver; The optical transceiver of the first router is optically coupled to the optical transceiver of the first node; The second computing node is electrically coupled to the second node optical transceiver; The second router's optical transceiver is optically coupled to the second node's optical transceiver; The first router optical transceiver is configured to receive a first modulated beam from the first node optical transceiver and demodulate the first modulated beam to extract data. The router is configured to route the data to the second router's optical transceiver; and The second router optical transceiver is configured to transmit a second modulated beam to the second node optical transceiver, the second modulated beam including the data.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the router comprises at least one of the following: Electrical cross switches that perform routing operations; The microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device that performs the routing operation; and The prism that performs the routing operation.

5. A system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes using free-space optics, comprising: The router is configured to communicate with the plurality of computing nodes via free-space optical communication; Multiple optical modules, which do not include any light source and are electrically coupled to at least some of the multiple computing nodes, each of the multiple optical modules including a modulator and an optical device system; Multiple optical transceivers are coupled to the router, wherein the multiple optical transceivers facilitate free-space optical communication with the multiple optical modules, and wherein each of the multiple optical modules has a corresponding optical transceiver that is optically coupled to the optical module. A first plurality of light sources, which are separate from the plurality of optical modules and enable free-space optical communication from the router to the plurality of optical modules; as well as A second plurality of light sources, separate from the plurality of optical modules and enabling free-space optical communication from the plurality of optical modules to the router, wherein the modulator within a particular optical module is configured to modulate a beam received from one of the second plurality of light sources to generate a modulated beam, and the optical device system within the particular optical module is configured to direct the modulated beam to the router.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of optical modules, the plurality of optical transceivers, and the router interconnect the plurality of computing nodes to form a network structure; The plurality of computing nodes includes a plurality of processing nodes and a plurality of memory nodes; The plurality of processing nodes are not electrically coupled to all of the plurality of memory nodes; and All of the plurality of memory nodes are accessible to all of the plurality of processing nodes via the network structure.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein: The first computing node is electrically coupled to the first optical module; The first optical transceiver is optically coupled to the first optical module; The second computing node is electrically coupled to the second optical module; The second optical transceiver is optically coupled to the second optical module; The first optical transceiver is configured to receive a first modulated beam from the first optical module and demodulate the first modulated beam to extract data; The router is configured to route the data to the second optical transceiver; and The second optical transceiver is configured to transmit a second modulated beam to the second optical module, the second modulated beam including the data.

8. A system for interconnecting multiple computing nodes located within a housing using free-space optics, comprising: The router is configured to route free-space optical communication between the plurality of computing nodes; Multiple processing nodes in the first region of the outer casing; Multiple optical modules are electrically coupled to at least some of the multiple computing nodes; Multiple memory nodes in a second region of the housing, wherein each of the multiple memory nodes is electrically coupled to at least one of the multiple processing nodes. Multiple optical transceivers are coupled to the router, wherein the multiple optical transceivers facilitate free-space optical communication with the multiple optical modules, and wherein each of the multiple optical modules has a corresponding optical transceiver that is optically coupled to the optical module. as well as At least one light source is positioned outside the first region of the housing and configured to emit a light beam toward the plurality of optical modules.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first temperature of the first region of the housing is lower than the second temperature of the second region of the housing.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of optical modules are located in the first region of the housing.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of optical modules are located in a third region of the housing.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The first temperature of the first region of the housing is lower than the second temperature of the second region of the housing; and The second temperature is lower than the third temperature of the third region of the outer casing.

13. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The plurality of optical modules, the plurality of optical transceivers, and the router interconnect the plurality of computing nodes to form a network structure; and The multiple computing nodes are accessible to each other via the network structure.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: The plurality of processing nodes are not electrically coupled to all of the plurality of memory nodes; and All of the plurality of memory nodes are accessible to all of the plurality of processing nodes via the network structure.

15. The system according to claim 8, wherein: Each of the plurality of optical modules includes a modulator and an optical device system; The modulator within a specific optical module is configured to modulate a light beam received from the at least one light source to generate a modulated light beam; and The optical device system within the specific optical module is configured to guide the modulated beam to one of the plurality of optical transceivers.

16. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The first computing node is electrically coupled to the first optical module; The first optical transceiver is optically coupled to the first optical module; The second computing node is electrically coupled to the second optical module; The second optical transceiver is optically coupled to the second optical module; The first optical transceiver is configured to receive a first modulated beam from the first optical module and demodulate the first modulated beam to extract data; The router is configured to route the data to the second optical transceiver; and The second optical transceiver is configured to transmit a second modulated beam to the second optical module, the second modulated beam including the data.

Images