Integrated CMOS optical / electronic WDM communication system using an optical frequency comb generator

Abstract

To provide an optical data communication system, a method, and an electro-optic chip that include a compact and efficient optical power supply.SOLUTION: In an optical data communication system, an electro-optical chip is optically connected to an optical power supply including a laser that generates continuous wave light of a single wavelength, and a comb generator that optically connected to the laser to receive the single wavelength continuous wave light as input light and generates multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the input light, and comprises at least one transmitter macro that receives the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light and modulates one or more of the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal that carries digital data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0002] The present invention relates to optical data communications.

[0003] [Background technology]

[0004] Optical data communication systems operate by modulating laser light to encode a digital data pattern. The modulated laser light is transmitted from a sending node to a receiving node through an optical data network. Upon reaching the receiving node, the modulated laser light is demodulated to retrieve the original digital data pattern. Therefore, the implementation and operation of optical data communication systems depends on having a reliable and efficient laser light source. It is also desirable for the laser light source of an optical data communication system to have a minimal form factor and be designed to be as efficient as possible in terms of cost and energy consumption. It is in this context that the present invention arose. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one example embodiment, an optical power supply is disclosed that includes a laser configured to generate continuous wave light at a single wavelength. The optical power supply further includes a comb generator optically coupled to the laser to receive the continuous wave light at the single wavelength as input light. The comb generator is configured to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the input light.

[0006] In one example embodiment, a method for operating an optical power supply is disclosed. The method comprises operating a laser to generate continuous wave light at a single wavelength. The method further comprises optically transmitting the single wavelength continuous wave light to an optical input of a comb generator. The method further comprises operating the comb generator to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength continuous wave light. The method further comprises optically transmitting the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light to an output of the optical power supply.

[0007] In one example embodiment, an optical data communication system is disclosed. The optical data communication system includes an optical power supply and an electro-optic chip. The optical power supply includes a laser that generates a single wavelength of laser light. The optical power supply further includes a comb generator that generates multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength of laser light. The optical power supply is configured to output the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light. The electro-optic chip is optically connected to the optical power supply to receive the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the optical power supply. The electro-optic chip is physically separate from the optical power supply. The electro-optic chip includes at least one transmitter macro that receives the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light and modulates one or more of the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal that carries digital data.

[0008] In one example embodiment, a method for operating an optical data communication system is disclosed. The method comprises operating an optical power supply to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light by operating a laser on the optical power supply to generate a single wavelength of laser light and operating a comb generator on the optical power supply to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength of laser light. The method further comprises optically transmitting the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the optical power supply to an electro-optic chip. The method further comprises operating the electro-optic chip to receive the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light. The electro-optic chip is physically separate from the optical power supply. The method further comprises operating the electro-optic chip to modulate one or more of the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data.

[0009] In one example embodiment, an electro-optic chip is disclosed. The electro-optic chip includes an optical input port optically connected to receive a single wavelength of continuous wave light from a remote optical power supply. The electro-optic chip further includes a comb generator having an optical input optically connected to receive the single wavelength of continuous wave light from the optical input port of the electro-optic chip. The comb generator is configured to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength of continuous wave laser light and transmit the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light through an optical output of the comb generator. The electro-optic chip further includes a transmitter macro that receives the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the optical output of the comb generator. The transmitter macro is configured to modulate one or more of the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data.

[0010] In one example embodiment, an optical data communication system is disclosed. The optical data communication system includes an optical power supply that outputs continuous wave light at a single wavelength. The optical data communication system further includes an electro-optic chip having an optical input port optically connected to receive the single wavelength continuous wave from the optical power supply. The electro-optic chip is physically separate from the optical power supply. The electro-optic chip includes a comb generator having an optical input optically connected to receive the single wavelength continuous wave from the optical input port of the electro-optic chip. The comb generator is configured to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength continuous wave laser light and transmit the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light through an optical output of the comb generator. The electro-optic chip includes a transmitter macro that receives the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the optical output of the comb generator. The transmitter macro is configured to modulate one or more of the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data.

[0011] In one example embodiment, a method for operating an optical data communication system is disclosed. The method comprises operating an optical power supply to generate a single wavelength of continuous wave light. The method further comprises optically transmitting the single wavelength of continuous wave light from the optical power supply to an electro-optic chip. The method further comprises operating the electro-optic chip to receive the single wavelength of continuous wave light. The electro-optic chip is physically separate from the optical power supply. The method further comprises operating a comb generator on the electro-optic chip to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength of continuous wave light. The method further comprises operating a transmitter macro on the electro-optic chip to modulate one or more of the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light generated by the comb generator to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data.

[0012] In one example embodiment, an electro-optical chip is disclosed. The electro-optical chip includes an optical power supply, a comb generator, and a transmitter macro. The optical power supply outputs a single wavelength of continuous wave light. The comb generator has an optical input optically connected to receive the single wavelength of continuous wave light from the optical power supply. The comb generator is configured to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength of continuous wave laser light and transmit the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light through the optical output of the comb generator. The transmitter macro receives the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the optical output of the comb generator. The transmitter macro is configured to modulate one or more of the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data.

[0013] In one example embodiment, a method for operating an electro-optic chip is disclosed. The method comprises operating an optical power supply on the electro-optic chip to generate a single wavelength of continuous wave light. The method further comprises operating a comb generator on the electro-optic chip to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength of continuous wave light. The method further comprises operating a transmitter macro on the electro-optic chip to modulate one or more of the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light generated by the comb generator to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data.

[0014] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 illustrates an example block-level architecture of a system implementing TeraPHY chiplets, according to some embodiments.

[0016] [Figure 1B] 1B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the substrate of FIG. 1A according to some embodiments.

[0017] [Figure 2] 1 is an organizational diagram illustrating an example of a TeraPHY chiplet, as referred to herein, according to some embodiments.

[0018] [Figure 3] 1 illustrates an example layout of a TeraPHY chiplet, according to some embodiments.

[0019] [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an example layout of one of the optical macros, according to some embodiments.

[0020] [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates a first computer system optically connected to a second computer system through an optical link, according to some embodiments.

[0021] [Figure 5B] 2 illustrates in more detail an optical connection between a TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet of a first computer system and a TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet of a second computer system, according to some embodiments.

[0022] [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates an example of a remote optical power supply for an optical data communication system, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0023] [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 illustrates how each of the optical fibers of a fiber array receives each of multiple wavelengths λ1 to λN of continuous wave laser light of substantially equal intensity (power) from a remote optical power supply, according to some embodiments.

[0024] [Figure 6C] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an electro-optic chip connected to a fiber array containing optical fibers, according to some embodiments.

[0025] [Figure 7A] 1 illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply, according to some embodiments.

[0026] [Figure 7B] 7B illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply that is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply of FIG. 7A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0027] [Figure 7C] 7B illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply that is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply of FIG. 7A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0028] [Figure 7D] 7B illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply that is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply of FIG. 7A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0029] [Figure 8] 1 illustrates how each of the optical fibers receives each of multiple wavelengths (λ 1 , . . . , λ N ) of a continuous wave laser from each of the remote optical power supplies, according to some embodiments.

[0030] [Figure 9A] FIG. 1 illustrates a remote multi-wavelength optical power supply comprising a laser module having a single laser source (with an optional spare laser source) configured to generate continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi), in accordance with some embodiments.

[0031] [Figure 9B] 9B illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply that is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply of FIG. 9A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0032] [Figure 9C] 9B illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply that is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply of FIG. 9A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0033] [Figure 9D] 9B illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply that is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply of FIG. 9A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0034] [Figure 10A] FIG. 1 illustrates a remote multi-wavelength optical power supply comprising a laser module having a single laser source (with an optional spare laser source) configured to generate continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi), in accordance with some embodiments.

[0035] [Figure 10B] 10B illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply that is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply of FIG. 10A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0036] [Figure 10C] 10B illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply that is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply of FIG. 10A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0037] [Figure 10D] 10B illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply that is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply of FIG. 10A, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0038] [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates a remote multi-wavelength optical power supply comprising a laser module having a single laser source (with an optional spare laser source) configured to generate continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi), in accordance with some embodiments.

[0039] [Figure 12A] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an optical power supply in accordance with some embodiments.

[0040] [Figure 12B] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an optical data communication system (such as that shown in FIGS. 7A-11) in accordance with some embodiments.

[0041] [Figure 13A] 1 illustrates a remote (external to the electro-optic chip) single wavelength optical power supply configured to provide continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λ i ), in accordance with some embodiments.

[0042] [Figure 13B] 1 illustrates a remote (external to the electro-optic chip) single wavelength optical power supply configured to provide continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λ i ), in accordance with some embodiments.

[0043] [Figure 13C] 1 illustrates how each of the optical fibers receives a single wavelength (λ i ) of continuous wave laser from each of the remote optical power supplies, according to some embodiments.

[0044] [Figure 14] 1 illustrates an electro-optic chip configured to receive a single wavelength (λ i ) of continuous wave laser light from any of the remote single wavelength optical power supplies, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0045] [Figure 15] 15 illustrates an electro-optic chip that is a variation of the electro-optic chip of FIG. 14, according to some embodiments.

[0046] [Figure 16] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an optical data communication system in accordance with some embodiments.

[0047] [Figure 17]FIG. 1 illustrates an electro-optic chip with an on-board laser source for generating a single wavelength (λi) continuous wave laser light that is used by K comb generators on the electro-optic chip to generate multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light for use by corresponding transmit / receive macros on the electro-optic chip, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0048] [Figure 18] 18 illustrates an electro-optic chip that is a variation of the electro-optic chip of FIG. 17, according to some embodiments.

[0049] [Figure 19] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electro-optical chip in accordance with some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. Additionally, detailed descriptions of well-known process operations are omitted in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

[0051] High-bandwidth, multi-wavelength WDM (wavelength division multiplexing) systems are necessary to meet increasing interconnection bandwidth requirements. In some embodiments of these WDM systems, a laser source comprises a remote laser array configured to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous-wave (CW) laser light that are coupled through an optical distribution network to provide the multiple wavelengths of laser light to each of many optical output ports of the laser source. The multiple wavelengths of laser light are transmitted from any one or more of the optical output ports of the laser source to electro-optical chips (such as CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) and / or SOI (silicon-on-insulator) photonic / electronic chips) that transmit and receive data in an optical data communication system. In some embodiments, a multi-wavelength laser source comprises an array of lasers having outputs optically connected to respective optical inputs of an optical distribution network that routes CW laser light of each input wavelength to each of the multiple optical output ports of the optical distribution network. The multiple wavelength CW laser light is then routed from given optical output ports of the optical distribution network to given optical input ports of an electro-optic chip (such as the TeraPHY chip manufactured by Ayar Labs, Inc., Santa Clara, Calif., described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17184537).

[0052] 1A illustrates an example block-level architecture of a system 100 implementing TeraPHY chiplets 101, according to some embodiments. System 100 illustrates a general representation of a multi-chip package (MCP) implemented with TeraPHY chiplets 101. System 100 includes TeraPHY chiplets 101 mounted on a substrate 103. TeraPHY chiplets 101 include an optical interface optically coupled to optical link 105 over which bidirectional optical data communication with another electro-optical device (such as another TeraPHY chiplet) is performed. System 100 also includes one or more integrated circuit chips 107 (semiconductor chips) mounted on substrate 103. In various embodiments, the one or more integrated circuit chips 107 include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a visual processing unit (VPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a memory chip, an HBM stack, an SoC, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an accelerator chip, and / or essentially any other type of semiconductor chip. In various embodiments, the substrate 103 is an organic package and / or an interposer. In some embodiments, the substrate 103 provides electrical connections / wiring 109 between the TeraPHY chiplets 101 and the one or more integrated circuit chips 107. In some embodiments, the electrical connections / wiring 109 are formed in a redistribution layer (RDL) formed in the substrate 103. In various embodiments, the RDL structure is implemented according to essentially any RDL structure topology and technology available within the semiconductor packaging industry. Some of the electrical connections / wiring 109 within the substrate 103 are configured and utilized to provide power and a reference ground potential to the TeraPHY chiplet 101 and to each of the one or more semiconductor chips 107 .Additionally, some electrical connections / wiring 109 within substrate 103 are configured and utilized to carry electrical signals that provide bidirectional digital data communication between TeraPHY chiplets 101 and one or more semiconductor chips 107. In various embodiments, digital data communication over electrical connections / wiring 109 between TeraPHY chiplets 101 and one or more semiconductor chips 107 is performed in accordance with a digital data interconnect standard, such as the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) standard, the Compute Express Link (CXL) standard, the Gen-Z standard, the Open Coherent Accelerator Processor Interface (OpenCAPI), and / or the Open Memory Interface (OMI), among essentially any digital data interconnect standard.

[0053] System 100 further includes an optical power supply 111 optically coupled to supply continuous wave laser light of one or more controlled wavelengths to TeraPHY chiplet 101. In some embodiments, optical power supply 111 is an Ayar Labs SuperNova multi-wavelength multi-port optical supply. Optical power supply 111 provides continuous wave (CW) light that optically powers TeraPHY chiplet 101. In some embodiments, optical power supply 111 is configured as a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) that generates multiple wavelengths of CW light for transmission to multiple corresponding CW optical input ports of TeraPHY chiplet 101, multiplexes the multiple wavelengths of CW light onto a common optical fiber or optical waveguide, and splits and amplifies the multiplexed optical power to multiple output ports of optical power supply 111.

[0054] In various embodiments, the optical power supply device 111 is optically connected to the TeraPHY chiplet 101 through one or more optical waveguides 113. In various embodiments, the one or more optical waveguides 113 include one or more optical fibers and / or one or more optical waveguide structures formed within the substrate 103. In some embodiments, the optical power supply device 111 is attached to the substrate 103. In some embodiments, the optical power supply device 111 receives power and electrical control signals through electrical connections / wiring formed within the substrate 103. In some embodiments, the optical power supply device 111 is implemented as a device physically separated from the substrate 103. In some of these embodiments, the optical power supply device 111 is optically connected to the TeraPHY chiplet 101 through one or more optical fibers. In some of these embodiments, the optical power supply device 111 is optically connected to the TeraPHY chiplet 101 through one or more optical fibers optically connected to the substrate 103 and one or more optical waveguides formed within the substrate 103.

[0055] FIG. 1B is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the substrate 103 of FIG. 1A according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the electrical connections / wiring 109 of the RDL structure are formed at multiple levels of the substrate 103. In some embodiments, the electrical connections / wiring 109 includes a conductive via structure formed to provide electrical connections between electrical traces formed at different levels of the substrate 103, as represented by the vertical lines between electrical connections / wiring 109 at different levels in FIG. 1B. It should be understood that in various embodiments, the electrical connections / wiring 109 may be configured in basically any way necessary to provide the electrical connections required between the one or more integrated circuit chips 107 and the TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101, to provide power to each of the one or more integrated circuit chips 107 and the TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101, and to provide a reference ground potential connection to each of the one or more integrated circuit chips 107 and the TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101.

[0056] FIG. 2 is an organizational diagram illustrating an example of a TeraPHY chiplet 101, as referred to herein, according to some embodiments. The organizational diagram has an electrical interface 201 that is isolated (separated) from a photonic interface 203. The photonic interface 203 is configured to optically couple to a fiber array. In the example of FIG. 2, the electrical interface 201 is on the left side of the TeraPHY chiplet 101, and the photonic interface 203 is on the right side of the TeraPHY chiplet 101. A plurality of (1 to N) optical macros 205-1 to 205-N are disposed between the photonic interface 203 and the electrical interface 201. The electrical interface 201 is connected to the optical macros 205-1 to 205-N by glue logic 207. The electrical interface 201 of the TeraPHY chiplet 101 is compatible with the logic of the integrated circuit chip to which the TeraPHY chiplet 101 is connected. In the example of FIG. 2, data flow from electron to light is from left to right, and data flow from light to electron is from right to left.

[0057] Electrical interface 201 is a block of circuitry configured to handle all electrical I / O to and from integrated circuit chips to which TeraPHY chiplet 101 is connected, such as Ethernet switch chips / dies or other types of integrated circuit chips. Optical macros 205-1 through 205-N are responsible for converting data signals between the optical and electrical domains. Specifically, each of optical macros 205-1 through 205-N is configured to convert electrical data signals received through electrical interface 201 to optical data signals for transmission through photonic interface 203. Each of optical macros 205-1 through 205-N is also configured to convert optical data signals received through photonic interface 203 to electrical data signals for transmission through electrical interface 201. Photonic interface 203 is responsible for coupling optical signals to and from optical macros 205-1 through 205-N. Glue logic 207 enables flexible (dynamic or static) mapping of electrical interface 201 to optical macros 205-1 through 205-N and associated optical wavelengths. Glue logic 207 (also referred to as crossbar circuitry) thus provides dynamic routing of electrical signals between optical macros 205-1 through 205-N and electrical interface 201. Glue logic 207 also provides retiming, rebuffering, and flit reorganization functionality at the physical layer level. In some embodiments, glue logic 207 also performs various error correction and data-level link protocols to offload some processing from the integrated circuit chips to which TeraPHY chiplets 101 are connected.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates an example layout of TeraPHY chiplet 101, according to some embodiments. The layout of the optical and electrical components of TeraPHY chiplet 101 is designed to optimize area efficiency, energy efficiency, performance, and implementation considerations (such as avoiding optical waveguide crossings). In some embodiments, electrical interface 201 is laid out along the chip edge (the left edge in FIG. 3 ), and photonic interface 203 for optically coupling to the fiber array is laid out along the opposite chip edge (the right edge in FIG. 3 ). In some embodiments, photonic interface 203 comprises an optical grating coupler for each optical fiber in the fiber array. In various embodiments, photonic interface 203 comprises a vertical optical grating coupler, an edge optical coupler, or essentially any other type of optical coupler device, or a combination thereof, to enable optical coupling between the optical fibers in the fiber array and optical macros 205-1 through 205-N. In some embodiments, photonic interface 203 is configured to interface with 24 optical fibers in the fiber array. In some embodiments, photonic interface 203 is configured to interface with 16 optical fibers in a fiber array, although in various embodiments, photonic interface 203 may be configured to interface with essentially any number of optical fibers in a fiber array.

[0059] The glue logic 207 routes data between the electrical interface 201 and the optical macros 205-1 through 205-N. The glue logic 207 includes crossbar switches and other circuitry as needed to interface the electrical interface 201 connections with the optical macros 205-1 through 205-N. In some embodiments, the optical transmitters (Tx) and optical receivers (Rx) of the optical macros 205-1 through 205-N are paired, with each Tx / Rx pair forming an optical transceiver. The glue logic 207 enables dynamic mapping of electrical lanes / channels to optical lanes / channels. The optical macros 205-1 through 205-N (for data transmission (Tx) and data reception (Rx)) are laid out between the glue logic 207 and the photonic interface 203, which couples to optical fibers in the fiber array. The optical macros 205-1 through 205-N include both optical and electrical circuits involved in converting electrical signals to optical signals and converting optical signals to electrical signals.

[0060] In some embodiments, electrical interface 201 is configured to implement the Advanced Interface Bus (AIB) protocol to enable an electrical interface between TeraPHY chiplet 101 and one or more other integrated circuit chips. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, electrical interface 201 may be configured to implement essentially any electrical data communication interface other than AIB. For example, in some embodiments, electrical interface 201 comprises a high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and a Kandou Bus for data serialization / deserialization.

[0061] In some embodiments, TeraPHY chiplet 101 has a length d1 and a width d2, where d1 is approximately 8.9 millimeters (mm) and d2 is approximately 5.5 mm. As used herein, the term "approximately" should be understood to mean + / - 10% of a given value. In some embodiments, length d1 is less than approximately 8.9 mm. In some embodiments, length d1 is greater than approximately 8.9 mm. In some embodiments, width d2 is less than approximately 5.5 mm. In some embodiments, width d2 is greater than approximately 5.5 mm. In some embodiments, electrical interface 201 has a width d3 of approximately 1.3 mm. In some embodiments, width d3 is less than approximately 1.3 mm. In some embodiments, width d3 is greater than approximately 1.3 mm. In some embodiments, photonic interface 203 for the optical fiber array has a length d4 of approximately 5.2 mm and a width d5 ​​of approximately 2.3 mm. In some embodiments, length d4 is less than approximately 5.2 mm. In some embodiments, the length d4 is greater than about 5.2 mm. In some embodiments, the optical macros 205-1 to 205-N have a width d6 of about 1.8 mm. In some embodiments, the width d6 is less than about 1.8 mm. In some embodiments, the width d6 is greater than about 1.8 mm. In some embodiments, each pair of optical macros 205-1 to 205-N for the transmitter Tx and receiver Rx has a length d7 of about 0.75 mm. In some embodiments, the length d7 is less than about 0.75 mm. In some embodiments, the length d7 is greater than about 0.75 mm. In some embodiments, the optical macros 205-1 to 205-N for the transmitter Tx and receiver Rx are arranged to align with the optical fiber pitch within the photonic interface 203. In some embodiments, the length d7 of each optical macro 205-1 to 205-N (a pair of optical macros for a transmitter (Tx) and a receiver (Rx)) is matched to the pitch of optical fibers in a standard optical fiber ribbon.For example, if the optical fiber pitch is 250 micrometers and three of the optical fibers in the optical fiber ribbon correspond to one optical macro 205-1 to 205-N (one optical fiber brings continuous wave light from the laser to the optical macro for the transmitter (Tx), one optical fiber carries modulated light from the optical macro for the transmitter (Tx), and one optical fiber brings modulated light representing encoded data to the optical macro for the receiver (Rx)), then the length d7 of the optical macro is 750 micrometers.

[0062] In some embodiments, the number N of optical macros 205-1 to 205-N is 8. In some embodiments, the number N of optical macros 205-1 to 205-N is less than 8. In some embodiments, the number N of optical macros 205-1 to 205-N is greater than 8. Additionally, each of optical macros 205-1 to 205-N represents at least one optical port. In some embodiments, a dual phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit is shared by each transmitter Tx / receiver Rx pair in optical macros 205-1 to 205-N. In some embodiments, the dual PLL comprises a PLLU covering a frequency range of 24 gigahertz (GHz) to 32 GHz and a PLLD covering a frequency range of 15 GHz to 24 GHz.

[0063] TeraPHY chiplet 101 includes management circuitry 301 and general-purpose input / output (GPIO) components 303 for communicating electrical data signals to and from TeraPHY chiplet 101. In various embodiments, GPIO components 303 include serial peripheral interface (SPI) components and / or other types of components to enable off-chip data communication. In some embodiments, TeraPHY chiplet 101 also includes a number of other circuits, such as memory (e.g., SRAM), a CPU, analog circuits, and / or any other circuitry that can be implemented in CMOS. In some embodiments, TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101 has a coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM4) four-lane (CWDM4) configuration in which each of optical macros 205-1 through 205-N includes four serializer / deserializer (SerDes) slices (FR-4) or eight SerDes slices (FR-8). In some embodiments, optical macros 205-1 through 205-N are divided into wavelength transmit (Tx) / receive (Rx) slices, with each Tx / Rx slice including a fully integrated analog Tx / Rx front-end, serialization / deserialization, clock / data recovery, and microring resonator thermal tuning digital control. In some embodiments, the photonic components integrated into the optical ports of each Tx / Rx slice / optical macro 205-x are based on microring resonators (modulators, filters, etc.). In some embodiments, TeraPHY optical I / O chiplets 101 optically couple to the optical fibers of a fiber array through an edge-coupled V-groove structure with embedded mode converters.

[0064] 4 illustrates an example layout of a given one of the optical macros 205-1 through 205-N (designated optical macro 205-x) according to some embodiments. The optical macro 205-x includes M transmit (Tx) slices 401-1 through 401-M ​​and M receive (Rx) slices 403-1 through 403-M. An optical slice of the optical macro 205-x refers to one of the optical transmit slices 401-1 through 401-M, one of the optical receive slices 403-1 through 403-M, or a combination of one of the optical transmit slices 401-1 through 401-M ​​and a corresponding one of the optical receive slices 403-1 through 403-M, where one of the optical transmit slices 401-1 through 401-M ​​and one of the optical receive slices 403-1 through 403-M are controlled to operate with light of a single wavelength. The example layout of FIG. 4 illustrates the routing of the optical waveguide 405 and the placement of the optical micro-ring resonators 407-1 through 407-M within the transmit (Tx) portion of the optical macro 205-x. The micro-ring resonators 407-1 through 407-M function as modulators. The example layout of FIG. 4 also illustrates the routing of the optical waveguide 409 and the placement of the optical micro-ring resonators 411-1 through 411-M within the receive (Rx) portion of the optical macro 205-x. The micro-ring resonators 411-1 through 411-M function as photodetectors. In some embodiments, one or more of the micro-ring resonators 407-1 through 407-M and 411-1 through 411-M are controlled to function as optical multiplexers and / or optical demultiplexers.

[0065] Each corresponding pair of transmit (Tx) slices 401-1 through 401-M ​​and receive (Rx) slices 403-1 through 403-M forms a Tx / Rx slice of optical macro 205-x. For example, Tx slice 1 401-1 and Rx slice 1 403-1 together form slice 1 of optical macro 205-x. The transmit (Tx) slices 401-1 through 401-M ​​include electrical circuitry for directing the conversion of electrical data in the form of a bit stream into a modulated light stream by operating microring resonators 407-1 through 407-M to modulate continuous wave laser light of a given wavelength received from optical grating coupler 413 through optical waveguide 405 into a modulated light stream of a given wavelength, which is transmitted from optical macro 205-x through optical waveguide 405 to optical grating coupler 415. In some embodiments, each of the transmit (Tx) slices 401-1 through 401-M ​​includes electrical circuitry for in-phase and / or quadrature signal generation, an injection-locked oscillator circuit, and a phase interpolator. The receive (Rx) slices 403-1 through 403-M include electrical circuitry for detecting light of a given wavelength in the stream of modulated light coming from the optical grating coupler 417 through the optical waveguide 409 by operating the microring resonators 411-1 through 411-M. The electrical circuitry in the receive (Rx) slices 403-1 through 403-M converts the light detected by the microring resonators 411-1 through 411-M of the corresponding wavelength into a bit stream in the electrical domain. In some embodiments, each of the receive (Rx) slices 403-1 through 403-M includes electrical circuits for in-phase and / or quadrature signal generation (I / Q signal generation), injection-locked oscillator (ILO) circuits, phase interpolation (PI) circuits, transimpedance amplifier (TIA) circuits, and signal equalization (EQ) circuits. In some embodiments, the receive (Rx) slices 403-1 through 403-M utilize respective dummy microring photodetectors (PDs) for better matching in the receiver analog front end and for robustness to common-mode noise (e.g., feed).

[0066] Optical waveguide 405 routes continuous wave laser light from optical grating coupler 413 to each of micro-ring resonators 407-1 through 407-M in transmit (Tx) slices 401-1 through 401-M. Optical waveguide 405 also routes modulated light from micro-ring resonators 407-1 through 407-M in transmit (Tx) slices 401-1 through 401-M ​​to optical grating coupler 415 for transmission from TeraPHY optical I / O chiplets 205-x. In some embodiments, each of micro-ring resonators 407-1 through 407-M in transmit (Tx) slices 401-1 through 401-M ​​is tunable to operate at a predetermined optical wavelength. Additionally, in some embodiments, the predetermined optical wavelength at which a given micro-ring resonator 407-x is tuned to operate is different from the predetermined wavelength at which the other micro-ring resonators 407-1 through 407-M are tuned to operate. In some embodiments, a corresponding heating device 408-1 through 408-M is disposed near each of the micro-ring resonators 407-1 through 407-M to provide thermal tuning of the resonant wavelength of the micro-ring resonator. In some embodiments, the corresponding heating device 408-1 through 408-M is disposed within an interior region surrounded by the given micro-ring resonator 407-x to provide thermal tuning of the resonant wavelength of the given micro-ring resonator 407-x. In some embodiments, the heating device 408-1 through 408-M of each micro-ring resonator 407-1 through 407-M is connected to a corresponding electrical control circuit in a corresponding transmit (Tx) slice that is operated to thermally tune the resonant wavelength of the micro-ring resonator. In some embodiments, each of the micro-ring resonators 407-1 through 407-M is connected to a corresponding electrical tuning circuit in a corresponding transmit (Tx) slice that is operated to electrically tune the resonant wavelength of the micro-ring resonator. In various embodiments, each of the micro-ring resonators 407-1 through 407-M operates as part of an optical modulator and / or optical multiplexer.

[0067] The optical waveguide 409 routes input modulated light from the optical grating coupler 417 to the micro-ring resonators 411-1 through 411-M in the receive (Rx) slices 403-1 through 403-M. In some embodiments, each of the micro-ring resonators 411-1 through 411-M in the receive (Rx) slices 403-1 through 403-M is tunable to operate at a predetermined optical wavelength. Also, in some embodiments, the predetermined optical wavelength at which a given micro-ring resonator 411-x is tuned to operate is different from the predetermined wavelength at which the other micro-ring resonators 411-1 through 411-M are tuned to operate. In some embodiments, a corresponding heating device 412-1 through 412-M is disposed near each of the micro-ring resonators 411-1 through 411-M to provide thermal tuning of the resonant wavelength of the micro-ring resonator. In some embodiments, a corresponding heating device 412-1 through 412-M is disposed within an interior region surrounded by a given micro-ring resonator 411-x to provide thermal tuning of the resonant wavelength of the given micro-ring resonator 411-x. In some embodiments, the heating device 412-1 through 412-M of each micro-ring resonator 411-1 through 411-M is connected to a corresponding electrical control circuit in the corresponding receive (Rx) slice that is operated to thermally tune the resonant wavelength of the micro-ring resonator. In some embodiments, each micro-ring resonator 411-1 through 411-M is connected to a corresponding electrical tuning circuit in the corresponding receive (Rx) slice that is operated to electrically tune the resonant wavelength of the micro-ring resonator. In various embodiments, each micro-ring resonator 411-1 through 411-M operates as part of a photodetector and / or optical demultiplexer.

[0068] In some embodiments, the architecture and floorplan of the optical macro 205-x can be varied by including different numbers of PLLs at different locations within the optical macro 205-x. For example, in some embodiments, a centralized PLL is placed within the clock spine and fanned out to slices on both sides of the optical macro 205-x. In various embodiments, the PLL is replicated as multiple PLLs across the optical macro 205-x, with each PLL dedicated to a given transmit (Tx) / receive (Rx) slice or shared among a subset of the transmit (Tx) / receive (Rx) slices. In various embodiments, other floorplan configurations of the optical macro 205-x include multiple columns of optical macros with pass-through photonic rows to increase edge bandwidth density, and / or include transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) optical macros staggered side-by-side to increase edge bandwidth density.

[0069] The optical macro 205-x comprises both photonic and electronic components. The optical waveguides 405 and 409 are laid out within the optical macro 205-x to avoid optical waveguide crossings and minimize optical waveguide length (minimizing optical losses), thereby improving the energy efficiency of the system. The optical macro 205-x is laid out in a manner that minimizes the distance between the electronic and optical components to minimize electrical trace length, which improves the energy efficiency of the optical macro 205-x, enables faster signal transmission, and reduces chip size.

[0070] TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101 comprises a set of (N) optical macros 205-1 through 205-N. Each optical macro 205-x comprises a set of (M) optical transmit slices 401-1 through 401-M ​​and optical receive slices 403-1 through 403-M logically grouped to transmit or receive bits at a number (W) of different optical wavelengths on respective optical waveguides 405 and 409. In various embodiments, the number (M) of optical transmit slices 401-1 through 401-M ​​and optical receive slices 403-1 through 403-M, as well as the number (W) of different optical waveguides, can be defined as needed, given that any number of optical transmit slices 401-1 through 401-M ​​and / or optical receive slices 403-1 through 403-M are tunable to a given one of the number (W) of optical waveguides. However, when a data bit is transmitted or received by multiple resonators among optical micro-ring resonators 407-1 through 407-M or multiple resonators among optical micro-ring resonators 411-1 through 411-M tuned to the same optical wavelength, channel / wavelength contention is managed. The floor plan and organization of optical macro 205-x represent adjustable degrees of freedom to control the following metrics: length of optical waveguides 405 and 409 (directly correlated to optical loss), area of ​​optical macro 205-x (correlated to manufacturing cost), energy consumed per bit (energy efficiency), electrical signaling integrity (correlated to performance), electrical package escape (amount of electrical data input and output physically available for a given set of chip dimensions and for electrical bumps of a given spacing / pitch), and optical package escape (amount of optical data input and output physically available for a given set of chip dimensions and for optical fiber of a given spacing / pitch).

[0071] FIG. 5A illustrates a first computer system 501 optically connected to a second computer system 503 through optical link 505, according to some embodiments. In various embodiments, first computer system 501 represents essentially any packaged semiconductor chipset including at least one integrated circuit chip 107-1 electrically connected to at least one TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101-1, as indicated by electrical connection / wiring 109-1. In some embodiments, at least one integrated circuit chip 107-1 and at least one TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101-1 are packaged on a common substrate 103-1. At least one TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101-1 is connected to receive optical power from optical power supply 111-1 through one or more optical waveguides 113-1. At least one TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101-1 corresponds to the TeraPHY chiplet 101 discussed herein. Optical power supply 111-1 is the same as optical power supply 111 described above with respect to FIG. 1A.

[0072] In various embodiments, second computer system 503 represents essentially any packaged semiconductor chipset including at least one integrated circuit chip 107-2 electrically connected to at least one TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101-2, as indicated by electrical connections / wiring 109-2. In some embodiments, at least one integrated circuit chip 107-2 and at least one TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101-2 are packaged on a common substrate 103-2. At least one TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101-2 is connected to receive optical power from optical power supply 111-2 through one or more optical waveguides 113-2. At least one TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101-2 corresponds to TeraPHY chiplet 101 discussed herein. Optical power supply 111-2 is the same as optical power supply 111 described above with respect to FIG. 1A. Also, in some embodiments, optical power supplies 111-1 and 111-2 are the same optical power supply. TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101-1 of first computer system 501 is optically connected to TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101-2 of second computer system 503 through optical link 505. In some embodiments, optical link 505 is an optical fiber array.

[0073] 5B is a diagram illustrating in more detail the optical connection between TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101-1 of first computer system 501 and TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101-2 of second computer system 503, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, TeraPHY optical I / O chiplets 101-1 and 101-2 are each configured similarly to TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101 described herein. TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101-1 includes at least one optical macro 205A. TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101-2 includes at least one optical macro 205B. Each of optical macros 205A and 205B is configured similarly to optical macro 205-x described herein.

[0074] The optical grating coupler 413 of the optical macro 205A is optically connected to the optical power supply 111-1 through one or more optical waveguides 113-1 (e.g., optical fibers). The optical grating coupler 415 of the optical macro 205A is optically connected to the optical grating coupler 417 of the optical macro 205B. In this manner, the modulated optical signals generated by the transmit slices 401-1 through 401-M ​​of the optical macro 205A are transmitted to the receive slices 403-1 through 403-M of the optical macro 205B. In some embodiments, the modulated optical signals generated by the transmit slices 401-1 through 401-M ​​convey data received by the optical macro 205A from the integrated circuit chip 107-1 in the form of electrical signals. The modulated optical signals carrying data are optically coupled to optical micro-ring resonators 411-1 to 411-M of optical macro 205B and demodulated by receiving slices 403-1 to 403-M of optical macro 205B into electrical signals that are transmitted to integrated circuit chip 107-2 through electrical connection / wiring 109-2.

[0075] The optical grating coupler 413 of the optical macro 205B is optically connected to the optical power supply 111-2 through one or more optical waveguides 113-2 (e.g., optical fibers). The optical grating coupler 415 of the optical macro 205B is optically connected to the optical grating coupler 417 of the optical macro 205A. In this manner, the modulated optical signals generated by the transmit slices 401-1 through 401-M ​​of the optical macro 205B are transmitted to the receive slices 403-1 through 403-M of the optical macro 205A. In some embodiments, the modulated optical signals generated by the transmit slices 401-1 through 401-M ​​of the optical macro 205B convey data provided by the integrated circuit chip 107-2 to the optical macro 205B through the electrical connection / wiring 109-2. The modulated optical signals carrying data provided by integrated circuit chip 107-2 are optically coupled to optical micro-ring resonators 411-1 to 411-M of optical macro 205A and demodulated by receiving slices 403-1 to 403-M of optical macro 205A into electrical signals that are transmitted to chip 107-1 through electrical connection / wiring 109-1.

[0076] The TeraPHY optical I / O chiplet 101 has a small footprint due to the high density of IP (intelligible property) building blocks on the chiplet. These IP building blocks include optical microring resonators in a very small chip area (e.g., 10 micrometer diameter per microring resonator), which are used to multiplex and demultiplex multiple optical wavelengths onto a single waveguide, modulate light, and act as photodetectors. Additionally, the electrical circuitry that controls the optical devices is tightly integrated on the same chip as the optical devices they control, allowing for a high density of IP building blocks on the chip and optimizing space efficiency.

[0077] 6A illustrates an example of a remote optical power supply 111 for an optical data communication system, according to some embodiments. The remote optical power supply 111 includes a laser array 601, an optical distribution network 603, and an optional optical amplification module 605. The laser array 601 includes a plurality of (N) lasers 601-1 through 601-N, where N is greater than 1. Each laser 601-1 through 601-N is configured to generate and output continuous wave laser light at a different wavelength, λ1 through λN, respectively. The optical distribution network 603 routes the laser light at each of the N wavelengths generated by the plurality of laser elements 601-1 through 601-N to a plurality of (M) optical output ports 607 of the optical distribution network 603. In some embodiments, the optional optical amplifier module 605 is not present, and the multiple wavelengths λ1 through λN of laser light directed to a given one of the (M) optical output ports 607 of the optical distribution network 603 are transmitted directly to a corresponding one of the optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M of the M-port fiber array 113. In some embodiments, the optional optical amplifier module 605 is present, and the multiple wavelengths λ1 through λN of laser light directed to a given one of the (M) optical output ports 607 of the optical distribution network 603 are transmitted via the optical amplifier module 605 for amplification en route to a corresponding one of the optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M of the M-port fiber array 113. In this manner, the remote optical power supply 111 operates to provide multiple wavelengths λ1 through λN of continuous wave laser light in each of the multiple optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M of the fiber array 113. Each of the optical fibers 113-1 to 113-M of the fiber array 113 can be connected to route multiple wavelengths λ1 to λN of continuous wave laser light received from the remote optical power supply 111 to a corresponding optical port on the electro-optical chip 101 (e.g., to the laser light input optical port 413 corresponding to the transmit macro on the electro-optical chip 101, as described above with respect to FIG. 4).FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating how each of the optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M of the fiber array 113 receives multiple wavelengths λ1 through λN of continuous wave laser light of substantially equal intensity (power) from the remote optical power supply 111, according to some embodiments.

[0078] 6C illustrates an example of an electro-optical chip 101 connected to a fiber array 113 including optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M, according to some embodiments. The electro-optical chip 101 includes M transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-M. Each transmit / receive macro 205-1 through 205-M includes a transmit macro having a micro-ring resonator 407-x-1 through 407-x-M and a corresponding transmit slice circuit 401-x-1 through 401-x-N, where x identifies a specific one of the M transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-M. Each transmit / receive macro 205-1 through 205-M further includes a receive macro having a micro-ring resonator 411-x-1 through 411-x-M and a corresponding receive slice circuit 403-x-1 through 403-x-N, where x identifies a specific one of the M transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-M. Each transmit / receive macro 205-1 to 205-M includes an optical input port 413-1 to 413-M, respectively, connected to a corresponding one of the optical fibers 113-1 to 113-M for receiving multi-wavelength continuous wave laser light from the remote optical power supply 111. In some embodiments, the number (M) of optical fibers 113-1 to 113-M required from the remote optical power supply 111 is equal to the number of transmit / receive macros 205-1 to 205-M in the electro-optic chip 101.

[0079] The optical input ports 413-1 through 413-M are connected to optical waveguides 405-1 through 405-M, respectively. Each of the optical waveguides 405-1 through 405-M extends past N micro-ring resonators 407-x-1 through 407-xN, where x identifies a particular one of the M transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-M, to enable evanescent coupling of light between the optical waveguide 405-1 through 405-M and a corresponding set of micro-ring resonators 407-x-1 through 407-xN. Each of the micro-ring resonators 407-x-1 through 407-xN is operated as an optical ring modulator tuned to a corresponding one of N wavelengths λ1 through λN of input continuous wave laser light. Each of the microring resonators 407-x-1 through 407-xN is controlled by a corresponding transmit slice circuit 401-x-1 through 401-xN to function as an optical ring modulator that modulates input continuous wave laser light of a particular wavelength λy on a corresponding optical waveguide 405-1 through 405-M in accordance with an electrical signal representing digital data to generate modulated light of a corresponding wavelength λy (where y is a set of 1 through N) having a modulation pattern that carries the digital data represented by the electrical signal. After extending by each of the microring resonators 407-x-1 through 407-xN, each of the optical waveguides 405-1 through 405-M extends to a respective optical output port 415-1 through 415-M. The modulated light is transmitted from the optical output port 415-1 through 415-M to a respective optical fiber 609-1 through 609-M, which carries the modulated light to a destination somewhere within the optical data communication system.

[0080] Each receiver macro of the transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-M includes an optical input port 417-1 through 417-M, respectively, connected to a corresponding one of the optical fibers 611-1 through 611-M for receiving modulated light of various wavelengths from other devices in the optical data communication system. The optical input ports 417-1 through 417-M are connected to optical waveguides 409-1 through 409-M, respectively. Each of the optical waveguides 409-1 through 409-M extends past N micro-ring resonators 411-x-1 through 411-xN to enable evanescent coupling of light between the optical waveguide 409-1 through 409-M and a corresponding set of micro-ring resonators 411-x-1 through 411-xN, where x identifies a particular one of the M transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-M. Each of the microring resonators 411-x-1 through 411-xN operates as an optical ring detector (photodetector) tuned to a corresponding one of N wavelengths λ1 through λN of the input modulated light. Each of the microring resonators 411-x-1 through 411-xN is controlled by a corresponding receiver slice circuit 403-x-1 through 403-xN to function as an optical ring detector (photodetector) that detects the input modulated light of a specific wavelength λy (where y is a set of 1 through N) on a corresponding optical waveguide 409-1 through 409-M. The microring resonators 411-x-1 through 411-xN, together with their corresponding receiver slice circuits 403-x-1 through 403-xN, function to convert the input modulated optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal according to the modulation pattern of the input light. The resulting electrical signal is processed by the receiver slice circuits 403-x-1 through 403-xN to reconstruct the original digital data onto which the input modulated light was modulated.

[0081] Disclosed herein are WDM optical data communication systems and related methods comprising an improved remote optical power supply 111, in which laser light generation (e.g., laser array 601) and optical distribution network (e.g., 603) are replaced and / or simplified by implementing a comb laser generator integrated into either the improved remote optical power supply 111 or the electro-optic chip 101 optically connected to the improved remote optical power supply. Replacing the laser array 601 and optical distribution network 603 significantly reduces the cost and complexity of the remote optical power supply 111, greatly improves the yield of the remote laser source, improves the efficiency of the light source, and allows essentially any laser supplier to provide a light source for a WDM optical system. In various embodiments, the comb laser generator is either active or passive.

[0082] In various embodiments disclosed herein, one or more comb generators are implemented on a remote optical power supply, which is optically connected to provide laser light of multiple wavelengths (λ1 to λN) to the electro-optic chip 101. In various embodiments disclosed herein, one or more comb generators are implemented on the electro-optic chip 101 to generate multiple wavelengths of light (λ1 to λN) on the electro-optic chip 101 from a single wavelength of light (λi) provided from either the remote optical power supply or an optical power supply on the electro-optic chip 101. Each of the comb generators referred to herein can be either a passive type comb generator or an active type comb generator. In various embodiments, the comb generators referred to herein are implemented using microring resonators, and optionally optical filters, to generate a target comb spectrum to achieve optimal performance of the electro-optic chip 101.

[0083] In various embodiments, the active comb generator is configured to perform various types of active comb generation, such as single-pass or resonant electro-optic modulation using an optical microring resonator or resonant electro-optic modulation using a lumped-element modulator. Examples of active comb generators are described in "Phase-Noise Characteristics of a 25-GHz-Spaced Optical Frequency Comb Based on a Phase- and Intensity-Modulated Laser," by Atsushi Ishizawa et al., Optics Express, Vol. 21, No. 24, December 2, 2013. Examples of active comb generators are also described in "Broadband Electro-Optic Frequency Comb Generation in a Lithium Niobate Microring Resonator," by Mian Zhang et al., Nature, Vol. 568, pp. 373-377, April 18, 2019. Examples of active comb generators are also described in "Broadband Electro-Optic Frequency Comb Generation in a Lithium Niobate Microring Resonator," by Mian Zhang et al., Nature, Vol. 568, pp. 373-377, April 18, 2019. "Frequency Comb Generation in a Silicon Ring Resonator Modulator," by Iosif Demirtzioglou et al., Optics Express, Vol. 26, No. 2, January 22, 2018. An example of an active comb generator is also described in "Generation of Wideband Frequency Combs by Continuous-Wave Seeding of Multistage Mixers with Synthesized Dispersion," by Evgeny Myslivets et al., Optics Express, Vol. 20, No. 3, January 30, 2012.It should be understood that any comb generator referred to herein may be an active-type comb generator as described in the above references, or any other active-type comb generator that can be implemented in an integrated photonics device.

[0084] In various embodiments, the passive comb generator is configured to perform various types of passive comb generation, such as using a Kerr nonlinear waveguide, a fiber, or a resonator. Examples of passive comb generators are described in, for example, "Generation of Wideband Frequency Combs by Continuous-Wave Seeding of Multistage Mixers with Synthesized Dispersion" by Evgeny Myslivets et al., Optics Express, Vol. 20, No. 3, January 30, 2012. Examples of passive comb generators are also described in, for example, "CMOS-Compatible Multiple-Wavelength Oscillator for On-Chip Optical Interconnects," by Jacob S. Levy et al., Nature Photonics, Vol. 4, pp. 37-40, January 2010. "Microresonator-Based Solitons for Massively Parallel Coherent Optical Communications," by Pablo Marin-Palomo, Nature, Vol. 546, pp. 274-279, June 8, 2017. It should be understood that any comb generator referred to herein may be a passive-type comb generator as described in the above references or any other passive-type comb generator that can be implemented in an integrated photonics device.

[0085] In various embodiments, the comb generators referred to herein may comprise lasers specially designed for implementation on electro-optical chips. These lasers may be implemented by applying a modulated current to a laser gain medium or by using mode-locked lasers. Examples of comb generators comprising lasers are described in: "Generation of Coherent Multicarrier Signals by Gain Switching of Discrete Mode Lasers," by P. M. Anandarajah et al., IEEE Photonics Journal, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 112-122, February 2011. Examples of comb generators comprising lasers are described in: "Single-Laser 32.5 Tbit / s Nyquist WDM Transmission," by David Hillerkuss et al., Journal of Optical Communications and Networking, Vol. 4, No. 10, pp. 715-723, October 2012. It should be understood that any comb generator referred to herein may be a laser-implemented comb generator as described in the above references, or any other laser-implemented comb generator that can be implemented in an integrated photonics device.

[0086] 7A illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111A in accordance with some embodiments. The remote optical power supply 111A comprises a laser array 701 having a plurality (M) of lasers 701-1 through 701-M, each configured to generate continuous wave laser light of the same wavelength (λi). The laser light output of each of the lasers 701-1 through 701-M is optically coupled to the optical input of a corresponding one of the comb generators 703-1 through 703-M. In this manner, a given one of the lasers 701-1 through 701-M is optically coupled to a given one of the comb generators 703-1 through 703-M. Each of comb generators 703-1 through 703-M is configured to generate and output multiple (N) wavelengths (λ,...,λ) of laser light from a single wavelength (λ) of laser light that the comb generator receives as input light from a corresponding one of lasers 701-1 through 701-M. In the example embodiment of FIG. 7A, each of comb generators 703-1 through 703-M has an optical output optically connected to a corresponding one of multiple (M) optical outputs of remote optical power supply 111A. Each of the M optical outputs of remote optical power supply 111A is connected to a corresponding one of M optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M. Each of M optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M is optically connected to a corresponding optical input of electro-optic chip 101 (such as to a corresponding optical grating coupler 413-1 through 413-M shown in FIG. 6C).

[0087] 7A illustrates a portion of an optical data communication system including an optical power supply 111A and an electro-optic chip 101, where the electro-optic chip 101 is physically separate from the optical power supply 111A. The optical power supply 111A is configured to output multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light. The electro-optic chip 101 is optically connected to the optical power supply 111A to receive the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light from the optical power supply 111A. The electro-optic chip 101 includes at least one transmitter macro 205-1 through 205-M that receives the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light and modulates one or more of the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal that carries digital data.

[0088] 7B illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111B, which is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111A of FIG. 7A, in accordance with some embodiments. In the remote optical power supply 111B, the optical outputs of the comb generators 703-1 through 703-M are optically connected to corresponding optical inputs of an optical amplifier 705. The optical amplifier 705 has M optical outputs, each corresponding to one of the M optical inputs of the optical amplifier 705. Each of the M optical outputs of the optical amplifier 705 is connected to a corresponding one of the M optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M, which are then optically connected to the electro-optic chip 101. The optical amplifier 705 amplifies the optical signal received from each of the comb generators 703-1 through 703-M such that an amplified version of the light received at a given optical input of the optical amplifier 705 is transmitted through the corresponding optical output of the optical amplifier 705. In this manner, the light output from a given one of the optical outputs of the optical amplifier device 705 is an amplified version of the light output by a corresponding one of the M comb generators 703-1 through 703-M. The optical amplifier device 705 operates to compensate for optical power losses in an optical data communication system comprising the remote optical power supply 111B, the fiber array 113, and the electro-optic chip 101.

[0089] 7B illustrates a portion of an optical data communication system including an optical power supply 111B and an electro-optic chip 101, where the electro-optic chip 101 is physically separate from the optical power supply 111B. The optical power supply 111B is configured to output multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light. The electro-optic chip 101 is optically connected to the optical power supply 111B to receive the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light from the optical power supply 111B. The electro-optic chip 101 includes at least one transmitter macro 205-1 through 205-M that receives the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light and modulates one or more of the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal that carries digital data.

[0090] 7C illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111C, which is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111A of FIG. 7A, in accordance with some embodiments. In the remote optical power supply 111B, the optical output of each of the M comb generators 703-1 through 703-M is optically connected to the optical input of a corresponding one of the M optical filter devices 707-1 through 707-M. Each of the optical filter devices 707-1 through 707-M has an optical output optically connected to a corresponding one of the optical fibers 107-1 through 107-M, which are in turn optically connected to the electro-optic chip 101. The optical filter devices 707-1 through 707-M operate to remove imperfections in the comb generation process performed by the comb generators 703-1 through 703-M.

[0091] 7C illustrates a portion of an optical data communication system including an optical power supply 111C and an electro-optic chip 101, where the electro-optic chip 101 is physically separate from the optical power supply 111C. The optical power supply 111C is configured to output multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light. The electro-optic chip 101 is optically connected to the optical power supply 111C to receive the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light from the optical power supply 111C. The electro-optic chip 101 includes at least one transmitter macro 205-1 through 205-M that receives the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light and modulates one or more of the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal that carries digital data.

[0092] 7D illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111D, which is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111A of FIG. 7A, in accordance with some embodiments. In the remote optical power supply 111D, the optical output of each of the M comb generators 703-1 through 703-M is optically connected to the optical input of a corresponding one of the M optical filter devices 707-1 through 707-M. Each of the optical filter devices 707-1 through 707-M has an optical output optically connected to a corresponding optical input of the optical amplifier device 705. Each of the M output outputs of the optical amplifier device 705 is connected to a corresponding one of the M optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M, which are then optically connected to the electro-optic chip 101. The optical filter devices 707-1 through 707-M operate to remove imperfections in the comb generation process performed by the comb generators 703-1 through 703-M. Optical filter devices 707-1 through 707-M operate to remove imperfections in the comb generation process performed by comb generators 703-1 through 703-M. Optical amplifier device 705 amplifies the optical signals received from each of optical filter devices 707-1 through 707-M such that an amplified version of the light received at a given optical input of optical amplifier device 705 is transmitted through a corresponding optical output of optical amplifier device 705. In this manner, the light output from a given one of the optical outputs of optical amplifier device 705 is a filtered and amplified version of the light output by a corresponding one of M comb generators 703-1 through 703-M.

[0093] 7D illustrates a portion of an optical data communication system including an optical power supply 111D and an electro-optic chip 101, where the electro-optic chip 101 is physically separate from the optical power supply 111D. The optical power supply 111D is configured to output multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light. The electro-optic chip 101 is optically connected to the optical power supply 111D to receive the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light from the optical power supply 111D. The electro-optic chip 101 includes at least one transmitter macro 205-1 through 205-M that receives the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light and modulates one or more of the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal that carries digital data.

[0094] 8 illustrates how each of the optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M receives a respective one of multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of a continuous wave laser from each of the remote optical power supplies 111A through 111D, according to some embodiments. Each of the remote optical power supplies 111A through 111D operates to provide continuous wave light of substantially equal intensity (power) at each of the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) to each of the optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M, and thus to the electro-optic chip 101.

[0095] It should be appreciated that the remote (external to the electro-optic chip 101) multi-wavelength optical power supplies 111A-111D utilize comb generators 703-1-703-M in place of the optical distribution network 603 utilized in the remote optical power supply 101 of FIG. 6A. In the remote multi-wavelength optical power supplies 111A-111D, the lasers 601-1-601-M operate to generate continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi) for input to the respective comb generators 703-1-703-M. Each of the comb generators 703-1-703-M operates to use the continuous wave laser light of the single wavelength (λi) to generate continuous wave light of multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) corresponding to a desired wavelength spacing, such as a WDM wavelength / frequency grid. Each of comb generators 703-1 through 703-M is configured to generate a desired WDM wavelength / frequency grid of continuous wave light, which defines a WDM light source that is ultimately transmitted to electro-optic chip 101 through each of optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M of optical fiber array 113. In some embodiments, after optional optical filtering by optical filter devices 707-1 through 707-M and / or optional optical amplification by optical amplifier device 705, the continuous wave light at multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) defines a WDM light source that is transmitted to electro-optic chip 101 through each of optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M of optical fiber array 113. In some embodiments, electro-optic chip 101 uses the WDM light source as the continuous wave laser light input to one or more of the transmitting macros in macros 205-1 through 205-M shown in FIG. Additionally, in some embodiments, electro-optic chip 101 is configured to further manipulate the WDM source signal, such as through wavelength / frequency selective separation, before transmitting the WDM source signal as a continuous wave laser light input to one or more of the transmitting macros in macros 205-1 through 205-M.

[0096] It should be noted that because lasers 701-1 through 701-M of laser array 701 generate continuous wave laser light of the same wavelength (λi), laser array 701 can be advantageously matched with a single laser gain region, making the configuration of remote multi-wavelength optical power supplies 111A through 111D particularly useful for high temperature operation. It should also be noted that the continuous wave laser light wavelengths (λi) generated by lasers 701-1 through 701-M can be utilized by comb generators 703-1 through 703-M to generate a desired WDM wavelength / frequency grid, even if they are within the general wavelength range of the desired WDM wavelength / frequency grid.

[0097] 9A shows a remote multi-wavelength optical power supply 111E comprising a laser module 901 having a single laser source 901A (with an optional spare laser source 901B) configured to generate continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the remote optical power supply 901 is optically connected to an optical switch 903 that provides controlled connection of either laser source 901A or laser source 901B to the output of the optical switch 903 at a given time. In some embodiments, the optical switch 903 is an active photonic device. In some embodiments, the optical switch 903 is a passive photonic device. In some embodiments, the optical switch 903 is an optical waveguide that connects both laser source 901A and laser source 901B to the optical output of the optical switch 903, and control of the laser sources 901A and 901B determines which laser is operating to provide laser light to the output of the optical switch 903 at a given time. In some embodiments, laser source 901B is a backup for laser source 901A. In some embodiments, optical switch 903 allows for switching between laser source 901A and backup laser source 901B in the event of laser source 901A failing. In some embodiments, only laser source 901A or backup laser source 901B operates at a given time. Also, in some embodiments, laser module 901 includes two or more backup laser sources 901B, with each of the multiple backup laser sources (e.g., 901B) optically connected to a respective optical input of optical switch 903.

[0098] The output of optical switch 903 is connected to an optical input of optical splitter 905. Optical splitter 905 is configured to split light received through its optical input and direct a portion of the input light to each of multiple (M) optical outputs of optical splitter 905. Each of the optical outputs of optical splitter 905 is optically connected to an optical input of one of multiple (M) comb generators 907-1 through 907-M. In this manner, remote optical power supply 111E transmits continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi) generated by either laser source 901A or laser source 901B to the optical input of each of M comb generators 907-1 through 907-M at a given time. Each comb generator 907-1 through 907-M is configured to generate and output N wavelengths (λi,...,λN) of continuous wave laser light from the single wavelength (λi) of laser light. In the example of remote optical power supply 111E, the optical outputs of comb generators 901-1 through 901-M are optically connected to respective optical outputs of remote optical power supply 111E, which are then optically connected to respective optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M of fiber array 113 to provide N wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave laser light from remote optical power supply 111E to electro-optic chip 101.

[0099] 9B shows a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111F, which is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111E of FIG. 9A, in accordance with some embodiments. In the remote optical power supply 111F, the optical outputs of the comb generators 907-1 through 907-M are optically connected to corresponding optical inputs of an optical amplifier 909. The optical amplifier 909 has M optical outputs, each corresponding to one of the M optical inputs of the optical amplifier 909. Each of the M optical outputs of the optical amplifier 909 is connected to a corresponding one of the M optical outputs of the remote optical power supply 111F, which is then connected to M optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M, respectively, which are then optically connected to the electro-optical chip 101. Optical amplifier 909 amplifies the optical signals received from each of comb generators 907-1 through 907-M such that an amplified version of the light received at a given optical input of optical amplifier 909 is transmitted through a corresponding optical output of optical amplifier 909. In this manner, the light output from a given one of the optical outputs of optical amplifier 909 is an amplified version of the light output by a corresponding one of M comb generators 907-1 through 907-M. Optical amplifier 909 operates to compensate for optical power losses in an optical data communication system comprising remote optical power supply 111F, fiber array 113, and electro-optic chip 101.

[0100] 9C illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111G, which is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111E of FIG. 9A, in accordance with some embodiments. In the remote optical power supply 111G, the optical output of each of M comb generators 907-1 through 907-M is optically connected to the optical input of a corresponding one of M optical filter devices 911-1 through 911-M. Each of the optical filter devices 911-1 through 911-M has an optical output optically connected to a corresponding one of the M optical outputs of the remote optical power supply 111G, which in turn are respectively connected to M optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M, which are in turn optically connected to the electro-optic chip 101. The optical filter devices 911-1 through 911-M operate to remove imperfections in the comb generation process performed by the comb generators 907-1 through 907-M.

[0101] 9D illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111H, which is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111E of FIG. 9A, in accordance with some embodiments. In the remote optical power supply 111H, the optical output of each of M comb generators 907-1 through 907-M is optically connected to the optical input of a corresponding one of M optical filter devices 911-1 through 911-M. Each of the optical filter devices 911-1 through 911-M has an optical output optically connected to a corresponding optical input of an optical amplifier device 909. Each of the M optical outputs of the optical amplifier device 909 is connected to a corresponding one of M optical outputs of the remote optical power supply 111F, which are then respectively connected to M optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M, which are then optically connected to the electro-optical chip 101. Optical filter devices 911-1 through 911-M operate to remove imperfections in the comb generation process performed by comb generators 907-1 through 907-M. Optical amplifier device 909 amplifies the optical signal received from each of optical filter devices 911-1 through 911-M such that an amplified version of the light received at a given optical input of optical amplifier device 909 is transmitted through a corresponding optical output of optical amplifier device 909. Optical amplifier device 909 operates to compensate for optical power losses in the optical data communication system comprising remote optical power supply 111H, fiber array 113, and electro-optic chip 101. In this manner, the light output from each optical output of optical amplifier device 909 is a filtered and amplified version of the multiple wavelengths (λ 1 , . . . , λ N ) of continuous wave light output by a corresponding one of M comb generators 907-1 through 907-M.

[0102] It should be appreciated that the remote (external to the electro-optic chip 101) multi-wavelength optical power supplies 111E-111H use comb generators 907-1-907-M instead of the optical distribution network 603 used in the remote optical power supply 101 of FIG. 6A. In the remote multi-wavelength optical power supplies 111E-111H, lasers 901A and 901B operate to generate continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi) for input to comb generators 907-1-907-M. Each of comb generators 907-1-907-M operates to use the continuous wave laser light of the single wavelength (λi) to generate continuous wave light of multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) corresponding to a desired wavelength spacing, such as a WDM wavelength / frequency grid. Note that the continuous wave laser light wavelengths (λi) generated by lasers 901A and 901B can be utilized by comb generators 907-1 through 907-M to generate a desired WDM wavelength / frequency grid, even if they are within the general wavelength range of the desired WDM wavelength / frequency grid. Each of comb generators 907-1 through 907-M is configured to generate a desired WDM wavelength / frequency grid of continuous wave light, which defines a WDM light source that is ultimately transmitted to electro-optic chip 101 through each of optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M of optical fiber array 113. In some embodiments, after optional optical filtering by optical filter devices 911-1 through 911-M and / or optional optical amplification by optical amplifier device 909, the continuous wave light at multiple wavelengths (λi,...,λN) defines a WDM light source that is transmitted to electro-optic chip 101 through each of optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M of optical fiber array 113. In some embodiments, electro-optic chip 101 uses a WDM light source as a continuous wave laser light input to one or more of the transmitting macros in macros 205-1 through 205-M shown in Figure 6C. In some embodiments, electro-optic chip 101 is also configured to further manipulate the WDM light source signal, such as through wavelength / frequency selective separation, before transmitting the WDM light source signal as a continuous wave laser light input to one or more of the transmitting macros in macros 205-1 through 205-M.

[0103] 10A shows a remote multi-wavelength optical power supply 111I comprising a laser module 1001 having a single laser source 1001A (with an optional spare laser source 1001B) configured to generate continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the remote optical power supply 1001 is optically connected to an optical switch 1003 that provides controlled connection of either laser source 1001A or laser source 1001B to the output of the optical switch 1003 at a given time. In some embodiments, the optical switch 1003 is an active photonic device. In some embodiments, the optical switch 1003 is a passive photonic device. In some embodiments, optical switch 1003 is an optical waveguide connecting both laser source 1001A and laser source 1001B to the optical output of optical switch 1003, with on / off control of laser sources 1001A and 1001B determining which laser is operating to provide laser light to the output of optical switch 1003 at a given time. In some embodiments, laser source 1001B is a backup for laser source 1001A. In some embodiments, optical switch 1003 allows for switching between laser source 1001A and backup laser source 1001B in the event of a failure of laser source 1001A. In some embodiments, only laser source 1001A or backup laser source 1001B is operational at a given time. Also, in some embodiments, laser module 1001 includes two or more backup laser sources (e.g., 1001B), with each of the multiple backup laser sources 1001B optically connected to a respective optical input of optical switch 1003.

[0104] The output of optical switch 1003 is connected to an optical input of comb generator 1005 such that a single wavelength (λi) of laser light generated by laser module 1001 is provided as input light to comb generator 1005. Comb generator 1005 is configured to generate and output N wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave laser light from the single wavelength (λi) of laser light. In the example of remote optical power supply 111I, the optical output of comb generator 1005 is optically connected to an optical input of optical splitter 1007. Optical splitter 1007 is configured to split light received through the optical input of optical splitter 1007 and direct a portion of this input light to each of multiple (M) optical outputs of optical splitter 1007. In the example of remote optical power supply 111I, the M optical outputs of optical splitter 1007 are optically connected to respective optical outputs of remote optical power supply 111I, which are then optically connected to respective optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M of fiber array 113 to provide N wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave laser light from remote optical power supply 111I to electro-optic chip 101.

[0105] 10B shows a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111J, which is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111I of FIG. 10A, according to some embodiments. In the remote optical power supply 111J, optical outputs of an optical splitter 1007 are optically connected to corresponding optical inputs of an optical amplifier 1009. The optical amplifier 1009 has M optical outputs, each corresponding to one of the M optical inputs of the optical amplifier 1009. Each of the M optical outputs of the optical amplifier 1009 is connected to a corresponding one of the M optical outputs of the remote optical power supply 111J, which is then connected to M optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M, respectively, which are then optically connected to the electro-optic chip 101. Optical amplifier 1009 amplifies the optical signal received from optical splitter 1007 such that an amplified version of the light received at a given optical input of optical amplifier 1009 is transmitted through a corresponding optical output of optical amplifier 1009. In this manner, the light output from a given one of the optical outputs of optical amplifier 1009 is an amplified version of the light output by comb generator 1005. Optical amplifier 1009 operates to compensate for optical power losses in an optical data communication system comprising remote optical power supply 111J, fiber array 113, and electro-optic chip 101.

[0106] 10C illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111K, which is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111I of FIG. 10A, in accordance with some embodiments. In the remote optical power supply 111K, an optical output of a comb generator 1005 is optically connected to an optical input of an optical filter device 1011. The optical filter device 1011 operates to remove imperfections in the comb generation process performed by the comb generator 1005. An optical output of the optical filter device 1011 is optically connected to an optical input of an optical splitter 1007. M optical outputs of the optical splitter 1007 are optically connected to M optical outputs of the remote optical power supply 111K, which are then respectively connected to M optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M, which are in turn optically connected to the electro-optical chip 101.

[0107] 10D illustrates a multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111L, which is a variation of the multi-wavelength remote optical power supply 111I of FIG. 10A, in accordance with some embodiments. In the remote optical power supply 111L, each optical output of the comb generator 1005 is optically connected to an optical input of an optical filter device 1011. An optical output of the optical filter device 1011 is optically connected to an optical input of an optical splitter 1007. M optical outputs of the optical splitter 1007 are optically connected to M optical inputs of an optical amplifier device 1009. Each of the M optical outputs of the optical amplifier device 1009 is connected to a corresponding one of the M optical outputs of the remote optical power supply 111L, which are then respectively connected to M optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M, which are then optically connected to the electro-optic chip 101. Optical filter device 1011 operates to remove imperfections in the comb generation process performed by comb generator 1005. Optical amplifier device 1009 amplifies the optical signal received from optical filter device 1011 via optical splitter 1007 so that an amplified version of the light received at a given optical input of optical amplifier device 1009 is transmitted through a corresponding optical output of optical amplifier device 1009. Optical amplifier device 1009 operates to compensate for optical power losses in the optical data communication system comprising remote optical power supply 111L, fiber array 113, and electro-optic chip 101. In this manner, the light output from each of the optical outputs of optical amplifier device 1009 is a filtered and amplified version of the multiple wavelengths (λ,...,λ) of continuous wave light output by comb generator 1005.

[0108] It should be appreciated that the remote (external to the electro-optic chip 101) multi-wavelength optical power supplies 111I-111L utilize comb generator 1005 in place of optical distribution network 603 utilized in the remote optical power supply 101 of FIG. 6A. In the remote multi-wavelength optical power supplies 111I-111L, lasers 1001A and 1001B operate to generate continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi) for input to comb generator 1005. Comb generator 1005 operates to use the continuous wave laser light of the single wavelength (λi) to generate continuous wave light of multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) corresponding to a desired wavelength spacing, such as a WDM wavelength / frequency grid. It should be noted that the continuous wave laser light wavelengths (λi) generated by lasers 1001A and 1001B can be utilized by comb generator 1005 to generate a desired WDM wavelength / frequency grid, even if they are within the general wavelength range of the desired WDM wavelength / frequency grid. Comb generator 1005 is configured to generate a desired WDM wavelength / frequency grid of continuous wave light, which defines a WDM light source that is ultimately transmitted to electro-optic chip 101 through each of optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M of optical fiber array 113. In some embodiments, after optional optical filtering by optical filter device 1011 and / or optional optical amplification by optical amplifier device 1009, the continuous wave light at multiple wavelengths (λi,...,λN) defines a WDM light source that is transmitted to electro-optic chip 101 through each of optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M of optical fiber array 113. In some embodiments, electro-optic chip 101 uses a WDM light source as a continuous wave laser light input to one or more of the transmitting macros in macros 205-1 through 205-M shown in Figure 6C. In some embodiments, electro-optic chip 101 is also configured to further manipulate the WDM light source signal, such as through wavelength / frequency selective separation, before transmitting the WDM light source signal as a continuous wave laser light input to one or more of the transmitting macros in macros 205-1 through 205-M.

[0109] 11 shows a remote multi-wavelength optical power supply 111M comprising a laser module 1101 having a single laser source 1101A (with an optional spare laser source 1101B) configured to generate continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the remote optical power supply 1101 is optically connected to an optical switch 1103 that provides controlled connection of either laser source 1101A or laser source 1101B to the output of the optical switch 1103 at a given time. In some embodiments, the optical switch 1103 is an active photonic device. In some embodiments, the optical switch 1103 is a passive photonic device. In some embodiments, optical switch 1103 is an optical waveguide connecting both laser source 1101A and laser source 1101B to the optical output of optical switch 1103, and control of laser sources 1101A and 1101B determines which laser is operating to provide laser light to the output of optical switch 1103 at a given time. In some embodiments, laser source 1101B is a backup for laser source 1101A. In some embodiments, optical switch 1103 allows for switching between laser source 1101A and backup laser source 1101B in the event of a failure of laser source 1101A. In some embodiments, only laser source 1101A or backup laser source 1101B is operational at a given time. Also, in some embodiments, laser module 1101 includes two or more backup laser sources 1101B, with each of the multiple backup laser sources (e.g., 1101B) optically connected to a respective optical input of optical switch 1103.

[0110] The output of optical switch 1103 is connected to an optical input of optical splitter 1105. Optical splitter 1105 is configured to split light received through its optical input and direct a portion of the input light to each of multiple (Z) optical outputs of optical splitter 1105. Each of the optical outputs (1 through Z) of optical splitter 1105 is optically connected to provide a single wavelength (λi) of laser light to each of Z comb generation pipelines 1100-1 through 1100-Z. More specifically, each of the optical outputs (1 through Z) of optical splitter 1005 is optically connected to the optical input of a corresponding one of Z comb generators 1107-1 through 1107-Z in each of Z comb generation pipelines 1100-1 through 1100-Z. Thus, remote optical power supply 111M transmits a single wavelength (λi) of continuous wave laser light generated by either laser source 1101A or laser source 1101B to the optical input of each of Z comb generators 1107-1 through 1107-Z in comb generation pipelines 1100-1 through 1100-Z at a given time. Each comb generator 1107-1 through 1107-Z is configured to generate and output N wavelengths (λi,...,λN) of continuous wave laser light from the single wavelength (λi) of laser light. In remote optical power supply 111M, the optical output of each of M comb generators 1107-1 through 1107-Z is optically connected to the optical input of a corresponding one of Z optical filter devices 1109-1 through 1109-Z. Each of optical filter devices 1109-1 through 1109-Z operates to remove imperfections in the comb generation process performed by a corresponding comb generator 1107-1 through 1107-Z. The optical output of each of optical filter devices 1109-1 through 1109-M is optically connected to the optical input of a corresponding one of Z optical splitters 1111-1 through 1111-Z in each of comb generation pipelines 1100-1 through 1100-Z. Each of optical splitters 1111-1 through 1111-Z has multiple optical outputs. Each of optical splitters 1111-1 through 1111-Z is configured to split light received through its optical input and direct a portion of the input light to each of its multiple optical outputs.

[0111] The multiple optical outputs of each of the optical splitters 1111-1 through 1111-Z are optically connected to corresponding optical inputs of a corresponding one of the Z optical amplifiers 1113-1 through 1113-Z. Each of the Z optical amplifiers 1113-1 through 1113-Z has multiple optical outputs corresponding respectively to the multiple optical inputs of the optical amplifiers 1113-1 through 1113-Z. Each of the Z optical amplifiers 1113-1 through 1113-Z amplifies the optical signal received from a corresponding one of the Z optical splitters 1111-1 through 1111-Z such that an amplified version of the light received at a given optical input of the given optical amplifier 1113-1 through 1113-Z is transmitted through the corresponding optical output of the given optical amplifier 1113-1 through 1113-Z. The light output from a given one of the Z optical amplifiers 1113-1 through 1113-Z is an amplified version of the light output by the corresponding comb generator 1107-1 through 1107-Z. In this manner, the optical amplifiers 1113-1 through 1113-Z operate to compensate for optical power losses in an optical data communication system comprising the remote optical power supply 111M, the fiber array 113, and the electro-optic chip 101. Each of the plurality of optical outputs of each of the optical amplifiers 1113-1 through 1113-Z is connected to a corresponding one of the M optical outputs of the remote optical power supply 111M. In some embodiments, the total number of the plurality of optical outputs of the Z optical amplifiers 1113-1 through 1113-Z is equal to or greater than the number M of optical outputs of the remote optical power supply 111M. The M optical outputs of the remote optical power supply 111M are respectively connected to M optical fibers 113-1 to 113-M, which are then optically connected to the electro-optic chip 101.

[0112] It should be appreciated that the remote (external to the electro-optic chip 101) multi-wavelength optical power supply 111M uses comb generators 1107-1 through 1107-Z instead of the optical distribution network 603 used in the remote optical power supply 101 of FIG. 6A. In the remote multi-wavelength optical power supply 111M, lasers 1101A and 1101B operate to generate continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi) for input to comb generators 1107-1 through 1107-Z in the various comb generation pipelines 1100-1 through 1100-Z. Each of the comb generators 1107-1 through 1107-Z operates to use the continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi) to generate continuous wave light of multiple wavelengths (λi,...,λN) corresponding to a desired wavelength spacing, such as a WDM wavelength / frequency grid. Note that the continuous wave laser light wavelengths (λi) generated by lasers 1101A and 1101B may be utilized by comb generators 1107-1 through 1107-Z to generate a desired WDM wavelength / frequency grid, even if they are within the general wavelength range of the desired WDM wavelength / frequency grid. Each of comb generators 1107-1 through 1107-Z is configured to generate a desired WDM wavelength / frequency grid of continuous wave light, which defines a WDM light source that is ultimately transmitted to electro-optic chip 101 through each of optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M of optical fiber array 113. In some embodiments, after optical filtering by optical filter devices 1109-1 through 1109-Z and optical amplification by optical amplifier devices 1113-1 through 1113-Z, the continuous wave light at multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) defines a WDM light source that is transmitted through each of optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M of optical fiber array 113 to electro-optic chip 101. In some embodiments, electro-optic chip 101 uses the WDM light source as the continuous wave laser light input to one or more of the transmitting macros in macros 205-1 through 205-M shown in FIG.Additionally, in some embodiments, electro-optic chip 101 is configured to further manipulate the WDM source signal, such as through wavelength / frequency selective separation, before transmitting the WDM source signal as a continuous wave laser light input to one or more of the transmitting macros in macros 205-1 through 205-M.

[0113] 8, which illustrates how each of the optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M receives each of the multiple wavelengths (λ1, . . . , λN) of continuous wave laser light, also applies to each of the remote optical power supplies 111E through 111M. The remote optical power supplies 111E through 111M operate to supply continuous wave light of substantially equal intensity (power) at each of the multiple wavelengths (λ1, . . . , λN) to each of the optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M, and ultimately to the electro-optic chip 101.

[0114] In some embodiments, each of the remote multi-wavelength optical power supplies 111A-111M includes a laser (701-1-701-M, 901A, 901B, 1001A, 1001B, 1101A, 1101B) and a comb generator (703-1-703-M, 907-1-907-M, 1005, 1107-1-1107-Z). The laser (701-1-701-M, 901A, 901B, 1001A, 1001B, 1101A, 1101B) is configured to generate continuous wave light of a single wavelength (λi). The comb generators (703-1 through 703-M, 907-1 through 907-M, 1005, 1107-1 through 1107-Z) are optically connected to the lasers (701-1 through 701-M, 901A, 901B, 1001A, 1001B, 1101A, 1101B) to receive continuous wave light of a single wavelength (λi) as input light. The comb generators (703-1 through 703-M, 907-1 through 907-M, 1005, 1107-1 through 1107-Z) are configured to generate multiple wavelengths (λi,...,λN) of continuous wave light from the input light. In some embodiments, the laser (701-1 to 701-M, 901A, 901B, 1001A, 1001B, 1101A, 1101B) is one of a plurality of lasers in the optical power supplies 111A to 111M, and the comb generator (703-1 to 703-M, 907-1 to 907-M, 1005, 1107-1 to 1107-Z) is one of a plurality of comb generators in the optical power supplies 111A to 111M. Each of the plurality of comb generators (703-1 through 703-M, 907-1 through 907-M, 1005, 1107-1 through 1107-Z) is connected to receive continuous wave light of a single wavelength (λi) from a corresponding one of the plurality of lasers (701-1 through 701-M, 901A, 901B, 1001A, 1001B, 1101A, 1101B). Each of the plurality of comb generators (703-1 through 703-M, 907-1 through 907-M, 1005, 1107-1 through 1107-Z) is configured to generate and deliver multiple wavelengths (λi,...,λN) of continuous wave light to a corresponding one of the plurality (M) of optical outputs of the optical power supplies 111A through 111M.

[0115] In some embodiments, the optical amplifiers (705, 909, 1009, 1113-1 through 1113-Z) are optically connected to receive and amplify the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light generated by the comb generators (703-1 through 703-M, 907-1 through 907-M, 1005, 1107-1 through 1107-Z). The optical amplifiers (705, 909, 1009, 1113-1 through 1113-Z) are optically connected to deliver amplified versions of the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light to one or more of the M optical outputs of the optical power supplies 111A through 111M. In some embodiments, the optical filter devices (707-1 through 707-M, 911-1 through 911-M, 1011, 1109-1 through 1109-Z) are optically coupled to receive the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light generated by the comb generators (703-1 through 703-M, 907-1 through 907-M, 1005, 1107-1 through 1107-Z). Each of the optical filter devices (707-1 through 707-M, 911-1 through 911-M, 1011, 1109-1 through 1109-Z) is configured to remove imperfections in the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of the continuous wave light and provide optically filtered versions of the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of the continuous wave light to the M optical outputs of the optical power supplies 111A through 111M. Additionally, in some embodiments, the optical amplifiers (705, 909, 1009, 1113-1 through 1113-Z) are optically connected to receive and amplify optically filtered versions of the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light in route to the optical outputs of the optical power supplies 111A through 111M. In some embodiments, the optical splitters (1007, 1111-1 through 1111-Z) are optically connected to provide a portion of each of the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light generated by the comb generators (703-1 through 703-M, 907-1 through 907-M, 1005, 1107-1 through 1107-Z) to each of the multiple optical outputs of the optical power supplies 111A through 111M.

[0116] 12A is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an optical power supply (111A-111M) in accordance with some embodiments. The method includes step 1201 for operating the lasers (701-1-701-M, 901A, 901B, 1001A, 1001B, 1101A, 1101B) to generate continuous wave light of a single wavelength (λi). The method further includes step 1203 for optically transmitting the continuous wave light of the single wavelength (λi) to an optical input of a comb generator (703-1-703-M, 907-1-907-M, 1005, 1107-1-1107-Z). The method further comprises step 1205 for operating the comb generators (703-1 through 703-M, 907-1 through 907-M, 1005, 1107-1 through 1107-Z) to generate multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light from the single wavelength (λi) of continuous wave light. The method further comprises step 1207 for optically transmitting the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light to outputs of the optical power supplies (111A through 111M). In some embodiments, the method includes operating each of a plurality of lasers (701-1 through 701-M, 901A, 901B, 1001A, 1001B, 1101A, 1101B) to generate continuous wave light of a single wavelength (λi); and synthesizing a plurality of wavelengths (λi, . . . ) of continuous wave light from the single wavelength (λi) continuous wave light received from a corresponding one of the plurality of lasers (701-1 through 701-M, 901A, 901B, 1001A, 1001B, 1101A, 1101B). and optically transmitting the plurality of wavelengths (λ1, . . . , λN) of continuous wave light from each comb generator (703-1 to 703-M, 907-1 to 907-M, 1005, 1107-1 to 1107-Z) to a corresponding one of the plurality of optical outputs of the optical power supplies (111A to 111M). In some embodiments, the method further comprises amplifying multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light in a route from the comb generators (703-1 to 703-M, 907-1 to 907-M, 1005, 1107-1 to 1107-Z) to the optical outputs of the optical power supplies (111A to 111M).In some embodiments, the method further comprises optically filtering the plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light in route from the comb generators (703-1 through 703-M, 907-1 through 907-M, 1005, 1107-1 through 1107-Z) to the optical outputs of the optical power supplies (111A through 111M). In some embodiments, the method comprises amplifying the optically filtered versions of the plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light in route to the optical outputs of the optical power supplies (111A through 111M).

[0117] FIG. 12B is a flow chart illustrating a method for operating an optical data communication system (such as those shown in FIGS. 7A-11) according to some embodiments. The method comprises a step 1211 for operating the optical power supplies (111A-111M) to generate multiple wavelengths (λ1, ..., λN) of continuous wave light by operating lasers (701-1 to 701-M, 901A, 901B, 1001A, 1001B, 1101A, 1101B) on the optical power supplies (111A-111M) to generate laser light of a single wavelength (λi) and operating comb generators (703-1 to 703-M, 907-1 to 907-M, 1005, 1107-1 to 1107-Z) on the optical power supplies (111A-111M) to generate multiple wavelengths (λ1, ..., λN) of continuous wave light from the single wavelength (λi) laser light. The method further comprises step 1213 for optically transmitting the plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light from the optical power supplies (111A-111M) to the electro-optic chip (101). The method further comprises step 1215 for operating the electro-optic chip (101) to receive the plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light. The electro-optic chip (101) is physically separate from the optical power supplies (111A-111M). The method further comprises step 1217 for operating the electro-optic chip (101) to modulate one or more of the plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data. In some embodiments, the method includes operating optical amplifiers (705, 909, 1009, 1113-1 through 1113-Z) within optical power supplies (111A through 111M) to optically amplify a plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light generated by comb generators (703-1 through 703-M, 907-1 through 907-M, 1005, 1107-1 through 1107-Z).In some embodiments, the method comprises operating optical filter devices (707-1 through 707-M, 911-1 through 911-M, 1011, 1109-1 through 1109-Z) in the optical power supply devices (111A through 111M) to remove imperfections in a plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generators (703-1 through 703-M, 907-1 through 907-M, 1005, 1107-1 through 1107-Z).

[0118] 13A illustrates a remote (external to the electro-optic chip 101) single-wavelength optical power supply 111N configured to provide continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi), according to some embodiments. The remote optical power supply 111N comprises a laser array 1301 having a plurality of (M) lasers 1301-1 through 1301-M, each configured to generate continuous wave laser light of substantially the same wavelength (λi). In some embodiments, the optical outputs of the M lasers 1301-1 through 1301-M are optically connected in a direct manner to a respective one of the M optical outputs of the remote optical power supply 111N. In some embodiments, the remote optical power supply 111N optionally comprises an optical amplifier 1303 connected between the laser array 1301 and the M optical outputs of the remote optical power supply 111N. The optical amplifier 1303 has M optical outputs corresponding respectively to the M optical inputs of the optical amplifier 1303. Optical amplifier 1303 amplifies the optical signals received from each of M lasers 1301-1 through 1301-M (increases the optical power of the light) such that an amplified version of the light received at a given optical input of optical amplifier 1303 is transmitted through a corresponding optical output of optical amplifier 1303. In this manner, the light output from a given one of the optical outputs of optical amplifier 1303 is an amplified version of the light output by a corresponding one of M lasers 1301-1 through 1301-M. Each of the M optical outputs of optical amplifier 1303 is connected to a corresponding one of M optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M, which are in turn optically connected to electro-optic chip 101. Optical amplifier 1303 operates to compensate for optical power losses in an optical data communication system comprising remote optical power supply 111N, fiber array 113, and electro-optic chip 101. It should be understood that the remote single-wavelength optical power supply 111N does not include the optical distribution network 603 used in the remote optical power supply 101 of FIG. 6A.

[0119] In the remote single-wavelength optical power supply 111N, each of the lasers 1301-1 to 1301-M corresponds to a different optical fiber among the output optical fibers 113-1 to 113-M, and the laser light output by each of the lasers 1301-1 to 1301-M may be optically amplified by the optical amplifier 1303. However, in some embodiments, a one-to-one correspondence between the lasers (e.g., 1301-1 to 1301-M) in the laser array 1301 and the optical fibers 113-1 to 113-M in the fiber array 113 is not required. For example, in some embodiments, it is possible to have fewer lasers in the laser array 1301 than there are optical fibers 113-1 to 113-M in the optical fiber array 113, and each laser in the laser array 1301 is configured to generate continuous wave laser light of the same wavelength (λi), which may be split by one or more optical splitters and optically amplified by an optical amplifier device 1303 to ensure that sufficient optical power is supplied to each output optical fiber 113-1 to 113-M of the optical fiber array 113.

[0120] 13B illustrates a remote (external to the electro-optic chip 101) single-wavelength optical power supply 111O configured to provide continuous-wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi), according to some embodiments. The remote multi-wavelength optical power supply 111O comprises a laser module 1305 having a single laser source 1305A (along with an optional spare laser source 1305B) configured to generate continuous-wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi), according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the remote optical power supply 111O is optically connected to an optical switch 1307 that provides controlled connection of either laser source 1305A or laser source 1305B to the output of the optical switch 1307 at a given time. In some embodiments, the optical switch 1307 is an active photonic device. In some embodiments, the optical switch 1307 is a passive photonic device. In some embodiments, optical switch 1307 is an optical waveguide connecting both laser source 1305A and laser source 1305B to the optical output of optical switch 1307, and control of laser sources 1305A and 1305B determines which laser is operating to provide laser light to the output of optical switch 1307 at a given time. In some embodiments, laser source 1305B is a backup for laser source 1305A. In some embodiments, optical switch 1307 allows for switching between laser source 1305A and backup laser source 1305B in the event of a failure of laser source 1305A. In some embodiments, only laser source 1305A or backup laser source 1305B is operational at a given time. Also, in some embodiments, laser module 1305 includes two or more backup laser sources 1305B, with each of the multiple backup laser sources (e.g., 1305B) optically connected to a respective optical input of optical switch 1307.

[0121] The output of optical switch 1307 is connected to an optical input of optical splitter 1309. Optical splitter 1309 is configured to split light received through its optical input and direct a portion of this input light to each of a plurality (M) of optical outputs of optical splitter 1309. Each of the optical outputs of optical splitter 1309 is optically connected to a corresponding optical input of optical amplifier 1311. Optical amplifier 1311 has M optical outputs, each corresponding to a plurality (M) of optical inputs of optical amplifier 1311. Each of the M optical outputs of optical amplifier 1311 is connected to a corresponding one of M optical outputs of remote optical power supply 111O, which are then respectively connected to M optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M, which are then optically connected to electro-optical chip 101. The optical amplifier 1311 amplifies the optical signal received from the optical splitter 1309 such that an amplified version of the light received at a given optical input of the optical amplifier 1311 is transmitted through a corresponding optical output of the optical amplifier 1311. In this manner, the light output from a given one of the optical outputs of the optical amplifier 1311 is an amplified version of the single wavelength (λi) of light generated by the laser module 1305. The optical amplifier 1311 operates to compensate for optical power losses in the optical data communication system comprising the remote optical power supply 111O, the fiber array 113, and the electro-optic chip 101. It should be understood that the remote single-wavelength optical power supply 111O does not include the optical distribution network 603 used in the remote optical power supply 101 of FIG. 6A.

[0122] 13C illustrates how each of optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M receives a single wavelength (λi) of continuous wave laser light from each of remote optical power supplies 111N and 111O, according to some embodiments. The remote optical power supplies 111N and 111O operate to provide continuous wave light of a single wavelength (λi) and substantially equal intensity (power) to each of optical fibers 113-1 through 113-M, and thus to electro-optic chip 101.

[0123] The remote single-wavelength optical power supplies 111N and 111O of Figures 13A and 13B, respectively, which generate a single wavelength (λi) of continuous wave laser light, are optically connected through an optical fiber array 113 to an electro-optic chip (e.g., a CMOS / SOI photonic / electronic chip) with an integrated comb generator at the front end of the transmitter macro. Examples of such electro-optic chips 101A and 101B are shown in Figures 14 and 15, respectively.

[0124] FIG. 14 illustrates electro-optic chip 101A configured to receive a single wavelength (λ) of continuous wave laser light from either remote single-wavelength optical power supply 111N or 111O, according to some embodiments. Electro-optic chip 101A is a modified version of electro-optic chip 101 described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-6C. In some embodiments, the combination of electro-optic chip 101A and either remote single-wavelength optical power supply 111N or 111O represents part of a WDM optical data communication system that uses a single-wavelength external / remote optical power supply optically connected to electro-optic chip 101A through fiber array 113. In some embodiments, optical fiber 113-1 optically connects the output of either remote single-wavelength optical power supply 111N or 111O to optical input port 413-1 of electro-optic chip 101A such that a single wavelength (λ) of continuous wave laser light is received at optical input port 413-1 from optical fiber 113-1. Note that because the transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K on the electro-optic chip 101A operate independently of one another, precise control (e.g., matching) of the single wavelength (λi) of continuous wave laser light is not required between the different transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K. When a single wavelength (λi) of continuous wave laser light is generated in the remote optical power supplies 111N / 111O and optically coupled to the electro-optic chip 101A, each of the K comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K on the electro-optic chip 101A receives the single wavelength (λi) of continuous wave laser light as an input and generates the desired WDM wavelength / frequency grid for use by a corresponding one of the transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K.

[0125] Electro-optic chip 101A includes optical splitter 1401 having an optical input optically connected to optical input port 413-1 of electro-optic chip 101A, as shown by optical connection 102. In some embodiments, optical connection 102 is an optical waveguide optically coupled to optical input port 413-1. Optical splitter 1401 functions to split an input single wavelength (λi) of continuous wave laser light for distribution to transmit portions of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K within electro-optic chip 101A. More specifically, the single wavelength (λi) of continuous wave laser light output from optical splitter 1401 is transmitted through respective optical connections 1404-1 through 1404-K to the optical inputs of each of K comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K within electro-optic chip 101A. In some embodiments, optical connections 1404-1 through 1404-K are formed by respective optical waveguides optically coupled to respective optical outputs of optical splitter 1401. Each comb generator 1403-1 through 1403-K is disposed within the optical source input path of a corresponding one of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K. Each of comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K operates to generate CW light of multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) corresponding to a desired wavelength spacing, such as a WDM wavelength / frequency grid, using continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi). In other words, each of comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K is configured to generate a desired WDM wavelength / frequency grid of continuous wave light.

[0126] In some embodiments, the multiple wavelengths of light (λ1,...,λN) are transmitted directly from the comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K to respective ones of the optical waveguides 405-1 through 405-K of the transmit portions of the transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K. In some embodiments, the multiple wavelengths of light (λ1,...,λN) are optionally transmitted from the outputs of the comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K through corresponding optical connections 1406-1 through 1406-K to optical inputs of corresponding optical filter devices 1405-1 through 1405-K. Filtered versions of the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light (λ1,...,λN) are then transmitted from the optical outputs of the optical filter devices 1405-1 through 1405-K to corresponding optical waveguides 405-1 through 405-K of the corresponding transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K. Optical filter devices 1405-1 through 1405-K operate to remove imperfections in the comb generation process performed by comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K. The multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light on the WDM wavelength / frequency grid output by comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K are transmitted as optical inputs to transmit portions of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K for generation of modulated optical signals carrying digital data. The modulated optical signals are transmitted from the transmit portions of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K, respectively, to optical output ports 415-1 through 415-K and onto respective optical fibers 609-1 through 609-K for transmission within the optical data communications network. It should be appreciated that the implementation of optical splitter 1401 significantly reduces the number of optical fibers required between remote single-wavelength optical power supplies 111N and / or 111O and electro-optic chip 101A. It should also be appreciated that in some embodiments, multiple optical splitters (e.g., multiple 1401s) may be connected to respective ones of optical input ports 413-1 through 413-K to distribute input continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi) to respective portions of comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K. In this manner, a given optical splitter 1401 has optical outputs connected to the optical inputs of a portion of comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K.

[0127] The combination of remote single-wavelength optical power supplies 111N and / or 111O, or optional variations thereof, with electro-optic chip 101A represents a photonic architecture in which a single-wavelength (λi) laser source is optically coupled to electro-optic chip 101A, and comb generators (e.g., 1403-1 through 1403-K) are integrated on electro-optic chip 101A and operated to generate WDM wavelength / frequency grids for the transmit portions of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K. In the above-described photonic architecture, each transmit / receive macro 205-1 through 205-K is served by a respective comb generator 1403-1 through 1403-K. It should be appreciated that the use of comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K significantly reduces or eliminates the complexity of implementing an optical distribution network (such as optical distribution network 603 used in remote optical power supply 101 of FIG. 6A) within remote single-wavelength optical power supplies 111N, 111O. Also, in the above-described photonic architecture, a single-wavelength laser source optically transmitted to electro-optic chip 101A is split to provide input light to multiple comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K. This splitting of the laser source reduces the number of optical input ports required on electro-optic chip 101A and reduces the number of optical fibers that need to be connected to electro-optic chip 101A. Additionally, splitting the light either before or after comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K can introduce redundancy in case an input optical fiber (e.g., 113-1) loses light or a comb generator (e.g., 1403-1 through 1403-K) fails to function properly. In some embodiments, a photodiode detector is implemented within electro-optic chip 101A to detect a drop in optical power at the optical input to the transmit portion of a corresponding transmit / receive macro 205-1 through 205-K. Upon detecting a drop in optical power by the photodiode detector, an optical switch implemented within electro-optic chip 101A operates to route light from the output of another comb generator 1403-1 through 1403-K to the transmit portion of the corresponding transmit / receive macro 205-1 through 205-K.

[0128] FIG. 15 illustrates electro-optic chip 101B, a variation of electro-optic chip 101A of FIG. 14, in accordance with some embodiments. Electro-optic chip 101B is configured to receive a single wavelength (λi) of continuous wave laser light from either remote single-wavelength optical power supply 111N or 111O. Electro-optic chip 101B includes comb generator 1403-1 optically connected to provide multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light as input to the transmit portions of multiple transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K. Specifically, electro-optic chip 101B includes optical power splitter 1503 having an optical input optically connected to the optical output of optical filter device 1405-1 by optical connection 1501. In some embodiments, optical connection 1501 is an optical waveguide formed within electro-optic chip 101B. Thus, optical power splitter 1503 receives as input multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light output by comb generator 1403-1 via optical filter device 1405-1. Optical power splitter 1503 has multiple optical outputs optically coupled to the transmit portions of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K, respectively. For example, optical waveguide 405-1 of the transmit portion of transmit / receive macro 205-1 is optically coupled to the optical output of optical power splitter 1503. And similarly, optical waveguide 405-K of the transmit portion of transmit / receive macro 205-K is optically coupled to the optical output of optical power splitter 1503 through optical connection 1505. In some embodiments, optical connection 1505 is an optical waveguide formed with electro-optical chip 101B. Optical power splitter 1503 splits and distributes multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light received from comb generator 1403-1 to each of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K. In some embodiments, optical power splitter 1503 is configured to distribute substantially the same amount of optical power at each of the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) to each of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K.

[0129] Compared to electro-optic chip 101A, electro-optic chip 101B does not require each of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K to have its own comb generator 1403-1 through 1403-K, which reduces the number of photonic devices and cost of electro-optic chip 101B compared to electro-optic chip 101A. The configuration of electro-optic chip 101B advantageously reduces the complexity and power consumption of the CMOS photonic circuitry on electro-optic chip 101B compared to electro-optic chip 101A. Also, in electro-optic chip 101B, input light from remote single-wavelength optical power supply 111N or 111O can be optionally split by optical splitter 1401 to be sent to another comb generator 1403-x by corresponding optical connection 1404-x when the number of input optical fibers is limited compared to the K transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K. The WDM wavelength / frequency grid output by comb generator 403-x may then optionally be optically filtered and subjected to power division for distribution to some of the transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K.

[0130] In some embodiments, an optical data communication system includes optical power supplies 111N and / or 111O and electro-optic chips 101A and / or 101B. In some embodiments, electro-optic chips 101A and 101B each include an optical input port 413-1 optically connected to receive continuous wave light of a single wavelength (λi) from remote optical power supplies 111N, 111O. Each of electro-optic chips 101A and 101B further includes comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K having optical inputs optically connected to receive continuous wave light of a single wavelength (λi) from optical input port 413-1. Each of comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K is configured to generate multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light from a single wavelength (λi) of continuous wave laser light and transmit the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light through the optical outputs of comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K. Each of electro-optic chips 101A and 101B further includes transmitter macros 205-1 through 205-K that receive the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light from the optical outputs of comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K. Transmit macros 205-1 through 205-K are configured to modulate one or more of the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light to generate modulated optical signals carrying digital data.

[0131] In some embodiments, electro-optic chips 101A and 101B comprise a plurality of comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K and a plurality of transmit macros 205-1 through 205-K, where each transmit macro 205-1 through 205-K is connected to receive a plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light from a corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K. Electro-optic chips 101A and 101B further comprise an optical splitter 1401 optically connected to split the single wavelength (λi) continuous wave light received at optical input port 413-1. Optical splitter 1401 is optically connected to provide a portion of the single wavelength (λi) continuous wave light as input light to each of the plurality of comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of optical filter devices 1405-1 through 1405-K is optically coupled between a corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K and a corresponding one of the plurality of transmitting macros 205-1 through 205-K. Each of the plurality of optical filter devices 1405-1 through 1405-K is configured to remove imperfections at the plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of the continuous wave light generated by the corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K. In some embodiments, the optical splitter 1503 is optically coupled to provide a portion of each of the plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K to each of the plurality of transmitting macros 205-1 through 205-K. In some embodiments, optical filter devices 1405-1 through 1405-K are optically connected between comb generators 1403-1 through 1403-K and optical splitter 1503.

[0132] 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an optical data communication system in accordance with some embodiments. The method includes a step 1601 for operating an optical power supply (111N, 111O) to generate continuous wave light of a single wavelength (λi). The method further includes a step 1603 for optically transmitting the continuous wave light of the single wavelength (λi) from the optical power supply (111N, 111O) to the electro-optic chip (101A, 101B). The method further includes a step 1605 for operating the electro-optic chip (101A, 101B) to receive the continuous wave light of the single wavelength (λi). The electro-optic chip (101A, 101B) is physically separate from the optical power supply (111N, 111O). The method further comprises step 1607 for operating comb generators (1403-1 through 1403-K) on the electro-optic chip (101A, 101B) to generate multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light from the single wavelength (λi) of continuous wave laser light. The method further comprises step 1609 for operating transmit macros (205-1 through 205-K) on the electro-optic chip (101A, 101B) to modulate one or more of the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light generated by the comb generators (1403-1 through 1403-K) to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data.

[0133] In some embodiments, the method includes transmitting continuous wave light of a single wavelength (λi) through an optical splitter (1401) to provide a portion of the continuous wave light of a single wavelength (λi) as input light to each of a plurality of comb generators (1403-1 through 1403-K) on the electro-optic chip (101A, 101B). In these embodiments, the method further includes operating each of the plurality of comb generators (1403-1 through 1403-K) to generate multiple wavelengths (λi,...,λN) of continuous wave light from the portion of the continuous wave laser light of the single wavelength (λi). In these embodiments, the method also includes transmitting the multiple wavelengths (λi,...,λN) of continuous wave light from each of the plurality of comb generators (1403-1 through 1403-K) to a corresponding one of a plurality of transmit macros (205-1 through 205-K) on the electro-optic chip (101A, 101B). Also, in these embodiments, the method includes operating each of the plurality of transmit macros (205-1 through 205-K) to modulate one or more of a plurality of wavelengths (λ1, ..., λN) of continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal that carries digital data.

[0134] In some embodiments, the method includes operating each of a plurality of optical filter devices (1405-1 to 1405-K) on the electro-optic chip (101A, 101B) to remove imperfections at a plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light generated by a corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators (1403-1 to 1403-K). In some embodiments, the method includes operating an optical splitter (1503) on the electro-optic chip (101A, 101B) to provide a portion of the continuous wave light at each of the plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) generated by the comb generators (1403-1 to 1403-K) as input light to each of a plurality of transmit macros (205-1 to 205-K) on the electro-optic chip (101A, 101B). Also, in some embodiments, the method includes operating optical filter devices (1405-1 to 1405-K) on the electro-optical chips (101A, 101B) to remove imperfections in multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generators (1403-1 to 1403-K) in a route to the optical splitter (1503).

[0135] FIG. 17 illustrates an electro-optic chip 101C that includes an on-board laser source 1701 for generating a single wavelength (λ) of continuous wave laser light that is used by K comb generators 1707-1 through 1707-K on the electro-optic chip 101C to generate multiple wavelengths (λ,...,λ) of continuous wave light for use by corresponding transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K on the electro-optic chip 101C, according to some embodiments. It should be understood that the electro-optic chip 101C is not connected to receive continuous wave input light from a remote optical power supply, thereby eliminating the complexity and cost associated with a remote optical power supply. In some embodiments, the electro-optic chip 101C is part of a WDM optical data communication system. In some embodiments, the laser source 1701 includes M lasers, each configured to generate a single wavelength (λ) of continuous wave light. In some embodiments, the light output by laser source 1701 is optionally optically amplified by optical amplifier 1703. The continuous wave light of a single wavelength (λi) generated by laser source 1701 is transmitted to comb generators 1707-1 through 1707-K, which generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light (λi,...,λN) to provide as input light to the transmit portions of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K, respectively.

[0136] In some embodiments, light output by laser source 1701 is transmitted through optical connections 1704-1 through 1704-K (e.g., optical waveguides) to corresponding optional optical splitters 1705-1 through 1705-K. Optional optical splitters 1705-1 through 1705-K each have multiple optical outputs connected to provide a single wavelength (λi) of continuous wave light to multiple comb generators. For example, optical splitter 1705-1 is connected to provide a single wavelength (λi) of continuous wave light to the optical input of comb generator 1707-1 through optical connection 1706-1 and to the optical input of comb generator 1711-1 through optical connection 1710-1. Similarly, optical splitter 1705-K is connected to provide a single wavelength (λ) of continuous wave light to the optical input of comb generator 1707-K via optical connection 1706-K and to the optical input of comb generator 1711-K via optical connection 1710-K. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, optical splitters 1705-1 through 1705-K are not utilized and the single wavelength (λ) of continuous wave light is transmitted directly from laser source 1701 (or from optional optical amplifier 1703) to comb generators 1707-1 through 1707-K.

[0137] Each of comb generators 1707-1 through 1707-K operates to use continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi) to generate continuous wave light of multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) corresponding to a desired wavelength spacing, such as a WDM wavelength / frequency grid. In some embodiments, the multiple wavelengths of light (λ1,...,λN) are transmitted directly from comb generators 1707-1 through 1707-K to respective ones of optical waveguides 405-1 through 405-K in the transmit portions of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K. In some embodiments, optionally, the multiple wavelengths of light (λ1,...,λN) are transmitted from the outputs of comb generators 1707-1 through 1707-K through corresponding optical connections 1708-1 through 1708-K to optical inputs of corresponding optical filter devices 1709-1 through 1709-K. The filtered versions of the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light are then transmitted from the optical outputs of the optical filter devices 1709-1-1709-K to the corresponding optical waveguides 405-1-405-K of the corresponding transmit / receive macros 205-1-205-K. The optical filter devices 1709-1-1709-K operate to remove imperfections in the comb generation process performed by the comb generators 1707-1-1707-K. The multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light of the WDM wavelength / frequency grid output by the comb generators 1707-1-1707-K are transmitted as optical inputs to the transmit portions of the transmit / receive macros 205-1-205-K for generation of modulated optical signals carrying digital data. The modulated optical signals are transmitted from the transmit portions of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K, respectively, to optical output ports 415-1 through 415-K and onto respective optical fibers 609-1 through 609-K for transmission within the optical data communications network.

[0138] Electro-optic chip 101C represents part of a WDM optical data communication system that utilizes a single wavelength (λi) integrated light source (including laser source 1701 and optional optical amplifier 1703) implemented on electro-optic chip 101C. Single wavelength (λi) continuous wave laser light is transmitted from the integrated light source to comb generators 1707-1 through 1707-K, which use the single wavelength of light (λi) to generate multiple wavelengths (λi,...,λN) of continuous wave light to generate the desired WDM wavelength / frequency grid, which is then transmitted to the transmit portions of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K. In some embodiments, laser source 1701 comprises multiple lasers. In some embodiments, the number M of lasers in laser source 1701 is less than the number of comb generators 1707-1 through 1707-K. In these embodiments, one or more optical splitters 1705-1 through 1705-K are implemented to distribute continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi) to each of comb generators 1707-1 through 1707-K. In some embodiments, laser source 1701 comprises a single laser (with optional spare lasers), and one or more optical splitters 1705-1 through 1705-K are configured to distribute continuous wave laser light of a single wavelength (λi) from the single laser to each of comb generators 1707-1 through 1707-K. Optional optical amplification and optical splitting can be used in electro-optical chip 101C to increase the optical signal power and reduce the number of lasers required for laser source 1701.

[0139] FIG. 18 illustrates electro-optic chip 101D, a variation of electro-optic chip 101C of FIG. 17, in accordance with some embodiments. Electro-optic chip 101D includes an on-board laser source 1701 for generating a single wavelength (λ) of continuous wave laser light for input to comb generator 1707-1. However, electro-optic chip 101D has comb generator 1707-1 optically connected to provide multiple wavelengths (λ,...,λ) of continuous wave light as input to the transmit portions of multiple transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K. Specifically, electro-optic chip 101D includes optical power splitter 1803 having an optical input optically connected to the optical output of optical filter device 1709-1 by optical connection 1801. In some embodiments, optical connection 1801 is an optical waveguide formed within electro-optic chip 101D. Thus, optical power splitter 1803 receives as input multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light output by comb generator 1707-1 via optical filter device 1709-1. Optical power splitter 1803 has multiple optical outputs optically coupled to the transmit portions of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K, respectively. For example, optical waveguide 405-1 of the transmit portion of transmit / receive macro 205-1 is optically coupled to the optical output of optical power splitter 1803. And similarly, optical waveguide 405-K of the transmit portion of transmit / receive macro 205-K is optically coupled to the optical output of optical power splitter 1803 through optical connection 1805. In some embodiments, optical connection 1805 is an optical waveguide formed with electro-optical chip 101D. Optical power splitter 1803 splits and distributes multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light received from comb generator 1707-1 to each of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K. In some embodiments, optical power splitter 1803 is configured to distribute substantially the same amount of optical power at each of the multiple wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) to each of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K.Compared to electro-optical chip 101C, electro-optical chip 101D does not require each of transmit / receive macros 205-1 through 205-K to have its own comb generator 1707-1 through 1707-K, which reduces the photonic device count and cost of electro-optical chip 101D compared to electro-optical chip 101C. The configuration of electro-optical chip 101D advantageously reduces the complexity and power consumption of the CMOS photonic circuitry on electro-optical chip 101D compared to electro-optical chip 101C.

[0140] 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an electro-optic chip (101C, 101D) in accordance with some embodiments. The method includes step 1901 for operating an optical power supply (1701) on the electro-optic chip (101C, 101D) to generate continuous wave light of a single wavelength (λi). The method further includes step 1903 for operating comb generators (1707-1 through 1707-K) on the electro-optic chip (101C, 101D) to generate multiple wavelengths (λi,...,λN) of continuous wave light from the single wavelength (λi) continuous wave laser light. The method further includes step 1905 for operating transmit macros (205-1 to 205-K) on the electro-optical chips (101C, 101D) to modulate one or more of the multiple wavelengths (λ1, ..., λN) of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generators (1707-1 to 1707-K) to generate modulated optical signals carrying digital data.

[0141] In some embodiments, the method includes operating each of a plurality of comb generators (1707-1 through 1707-K) on the electro-optic chip (101C, 101D) to generate a plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light from a single wavelength (λi) of continuous wave light. Also in these embodiments, the method includes operating each of a plurality of transmitter macros (205-1 through 205-K) on the electro-optic chip (101C, 101D) to modulate one or more of the plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of continuous wave light generated by a corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators (1707-1 through 1707-K) to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data. In some embodiments, the method includes operating optical splitters (1705-1 through 1705-K) on the electro-optic chip (101C, 101D) to provide a portion of the continuous wave light of a single wavelength (λi) generated by the optical power supply (1701) to at least two of the plurality of comb generators (1707-1 through 1707-K). In some embodiments, the method includes operating each of the plurality of optical filter devices (1709-1 through 1709-K) on the electro-optic chip (101C, 101D) to remove imperfections in the plurality of wavelengths (λi,...,λn) of the continuous wave light generated by a corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators (1707-1 through 1707-K).

[0142] In some embodiments, the method includes operating an optical splitter (1803) on the electro-optical chip (101C, 101D) to provide a portion of the continuous wave light at each of the plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) generated by the comb generators (1707-1,...,λN) to each of the plurality of transmit macros (205-1,...,λN) on the electro-optical chip (101C, 101D). Also in some of these embodiments, the method includes operating an optical filter device (1709-1,...,λN) on the electro-optical chip (101C, 101D) to remove imperfections in the plurality of wavelengths (λ1,...,λN) of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generators (1707-1,...,λN) in a route to the optical splitter (1803).

[0143] The foregoing description of the embodiments is for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be comprehensive or limiting of the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment and, where applicable, may be interchanged and utilized in selected embodiments unless otherwise shown or described. The same may be modified in many ways. Such modifications are not considered a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0144] Although the invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the description of the invention. Accordingly, these embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not limited to the details set forth herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. 1. An optical power supply device, comprising: a laser configured to generate continuous wave light of a single wavelength; a comb generator optically coupled to the laser for receiving the continuous wave light of the single wavelength as input light, the comb generator configured to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the input light; An optical power supply device comprising:

2. 10. The optical power supply of claim 1, wherein the laser is one of a plurality of lasers within the optical power supply, and the comb generator is one of a plurality of comb generators within the optical power supply, each of the plurality of comb generators connected to receive the single wavelength of continuous wave light from a corresponding one of the plurality of lasers, and each of the plurality of comb generators configured to generate and deliver multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light to a corresponding one of a plurality of optical outputs of the optical power supply.

3. 10. The optical power supply of claim 1, further comprising: an optical amplifier configured to receive and amplify the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light generated by the comb generator, the optical amplifier optically connected to deliver amplified versions of the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light to an optical output of the optical power supply.

4. 10. The optical power supply of claim 1, further comprising: an optical filter device optically connected to receive the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light generated by the comb generator, the optical filter device being configured to remove imperfections in the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light and provide optically filtered versions of the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light to an optical output of the optical power supply;

5. 5. The optical power supply of claim 4, further comprising: an optical splitter optically connected to provide a portion of the continuous wave light at each of the plurality of wavelengths generated by the comb generator to each of a plurality of optical outputs of the optical power supply.

6. 1. A method for operating an optical power supply, comprising: operating the laser to generate continuous wave light of a single wavelength; optically transmitting the continuous wave light of the single wavelength to an optical input of a comb generator; operating the comb generator to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength of the continuous wave light; optically transmitting the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light to an output of the optical power supply; A method comprising:

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the laser is one of a plurality of lasers, the method comprising operating each of the plurality of lasers to generate the single wavelength continuous wave light; the comb generator is one of a plurality of comb generators, the method comprising operating each of the plurality of comb generators to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength of the continuous wave light received from a corresponding one of the plurality of lasers, each of the plurality of comb generators having an optical output optically connected to a corresponding one of a plurality of optical outputs of the optical power supply; optically transmitting multiple wavelengths of the continuous wave light from each comb generator to the corresponding one of the multiple optical outputs of the optical power supply.

8. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: amplifying the plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light in a route from the comb generator to the optical output of the optical power supply.

9. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: optically filtering a plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light in a route from the comb generator to the optical output of the optical power supply.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: amplifying optically filtered versions of the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light in route to the optical output of the optical power supply.

11. 1. An optical data communication system, comprising: an optical power supply including a laser generating a single wavelength laser light, the optical power supply including a comb generator generating multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength laser light, the comb generator configured to output the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light; an electro-optical chip optically connected to the optical power supply to receive the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light from the optical power supply, the electro-optical chip being physically separate from the optical power supply and comprising at least one transmitter macro that receives the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light and modulates one or more of the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal that carries digital data; An optical data communication system comprising:

12. 12. The optical data communication system of claim 11, wherein the optical power supply comprises a plurality of lasers and a plurality of comb generators, each of the plurality of comb generators optically coupled to receive the single wavelength of continuous wave light from a corresponding one of the plurality of lasers, and each of the plurality of comb generators configured to generate and deliver multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light to a corresponding one of a plurality of optical outputs of the optical power supply; an optical data communication system, wherein the electro-optical chip comprises a plurality of optical inputs optically connected to a plurality of optical outputs of the optical power supply, respectively, such that a plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light are received at each of a plurality of optical inputs of the electro-optical chip from a corresponding one of the plurality of optical outputs of the optical power supply; and the electro-optical chip comprises a plurality of transmitter macros, each of which receives a plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light from a corresponding one of the plurality of optical inputs of the electro-optical chip, each of which is configured to modulate one or more of the plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data.

13. 12. The optical data communication system of claim 11, wherein the optical power supply comprises an optical amplifier optically connected to receive and amplify the plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generator.

14. 12. The optical data communication system of claim 11, wherein the optical power supply comprises an optical filter device optically connected to remove imperfections in multiple wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generator.

15. 1. A method for operating an optical data communication system, comprising: operating a laser on an optical power supply to generate laser light at a single wavelength and a comb generator on the optical power supply to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the laser light at the single wavelength; optically transmitting the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light from the optical power supply to an electro-optic chip; operating the electro-optic chip to receive the plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light, the electro-optic chip being physically separate from the optical power supply; operating the electro-optic chip to modulate one or more of a plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data; A method comprising:

16. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: operating an optical amplifier within the optical power supply to optically amplify multiple wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generator.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

20. A method comprising: operating an optical filter device within the optical power supply to remove imperfections in multiple wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generator.

18. An electro-optical chip, an optical input port optically connected to receive continuous wave light of a single wavelength from a remote optical power supply; a comb generator having an optical input optically connected to receive the continuous wave light of the single wavelength from the optical input port, the comb generator configured to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength of the continuous wave laser light and transmit the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light through an optical output of the comb generator; a transmitter macro that receives the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light from the optical output of the comb generator, the transmitter macro being configured to modulate one or more of the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal that carries digital data; An electro-optical chip comprising:

19. 20. The electro-optic chip of claim 18, further comprising: a plurality of comb generators, the comb generator being one of the plurality of comb generators; a plurality of transmit macros, the transmit macro being one of the plurality of transmit macros, each transmit macro being connected to receive a plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light from a corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators; an optical splitter optically connected to split the continuous wave light of the single wavelength received at the optical input port, the optical splitter optically connected to provide a portion of the continuous wave light of the single wavelength as input light to each of the plurality of comb generators; An electro-optical chip comprising:

20. 20. The electro-optic chip of claim 19, further comprising: an electro-optical chip comprising a plurality of optical filter devices each optically connected between a corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators and a corresponding one of the plurality of transmit macros, each of the plurality of optical filter devices configured to remove imperfections in a plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by the corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators.

21. 20. The electro-optic chip of claim 18, further comprising: a plurality of sending macros, and the sending macro is one of the plurality of sending macros; an optical splitter optically connected to provide a portion of the continuous wave light of each of the plurality of wavelengths generated by the comb generator to each of the plurality of transmitter macros; An electro-optical chip comprising:

22. 22. The electro-optic chip of claim 21, further comprising: an electro-optical chip comprising an optical filter device optically connected between the comb generator and the optical splitter, the optical filter device configured to remove imperfections in multiple wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generator.

23. 1. An optical data communication system, comprising: an optical power supply that outputs continuous wave light of a single wavelength; an electro-optical chip having an optical input port optically connected to receive the continuous wave light of the single wavelength from an optical power supply, the electro-optical chip being physically separate from the optical power supply; the electro-optical chip having an optical input optically connected to receive the continuous wave light of the single wavelength from the optical input port, the comb generator configured to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength of the continuous wave laser light and transmit the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light through an optical output of the comb generator; the electro-optical chip having a transmit macro configured to receive the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the optical output of the comb generator, the transmit macro configured to modulate one or more of the multiple wavelengths of the continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data.

24. 24. The optical data communication system of claim 23, wherein the electro-optic chip comprises a plurality of comb generators, and the comb generator is one of the plurality of comb generators; the electro-optical chip comprises a plurality of transmitter macros, the transmitter macro being one of the plurality of transmitter macros, each transmitter macro being connected to receive a plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light from a corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators; the electro-optical chip comprises an optical splitter optically connected to split the continuous wave light of the single wavelength received at the optical input port, the optical splitter optically connected to provide a portion of the continuous wave light of the single wavelength as input light to each of the plurality of comb generators.

25. 25. The optical data communication system of claim 24, wherein the electro-optical chip comprises a plurality of optical filter devices each optically connected between a corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators and a corresponding one of the plurality of transmit macros, each of the plurality of optical filter devices configured to remove imperfections in a plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by the corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators.

26. 24. The optical data communication system of claim 23, wherein the electro-optical chip comprises a plurality of transmit macros, and the transmit macro is one of the plurality of transmit macros; an optical data communication system, wherein the electro-optical chip comprises an optical splitter optically connected to supply a portion of the continuous wave light of each of the plurality of wavelengths generated by the comb generator to each of the plurality of transmitter macros.

27. 27. The optical data communication system of claim 26, wherein the electro-optical chip comprises an optical filter device optically connected between the comb generator and the optical splitter, the optical filter device configured to remove imperfections in multiple wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generator.

28. 1. A method for operating an optical data communication system, comprising: operating the optical power supply to generate continuous wave light of a single wavelength; optically transmitting the continuous wave light of the single wavelength from the optical power supply to an electro-optic chip; operating the electro-optic chip to receive the continuous wave light of the single wavelength, the electro-optic chip being physically separate from the optical power supply; operating a comb generator on the electro-optic chip to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength of the continuous wave light; operating a transmitter macro on the electro-optic chip to modulate one or more of a plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generator to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data; A method comprising:

29. 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising: transmitting the continuous wave light of the single wavelength through an optical splitter to provide a portion of the continuous wave light of the single wavelength as input light to each of a plurality of comb generators on the electro-optic chip, the comb generator being one of the plurality of comb generators; operating each of the plurality of comb generators to generate a plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light from the portion of the single wavelength of the continuous wave laser light; transmitting the plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light from each of the plurality of comb generators to a corresponding one of a plurality of transmitter macros on the electro-optic chip, the transmitter macro being one of the plurality of transmitter macros; operating each of the plurality of transmitter macros to modulate one or more of a plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data; A method comprising:

30. 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising: operating each of a plurality of optical filter devices on the electro-optic chip to remove imperfections in a plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by a corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators.

31. 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising: operating an optical splitter on the electro-optical chip to supply a portion of the continuous wave light of each of the plurality of wavelengths generated by the comb generator to each of a plurality of transmitter macros on the electro-optical chip, the transmitter macro being one of the plurality of transmitter macros; operating each of the plurality of transmitter macros to modulate one or more of the plurality of wavelengths of the portion of the continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data; A method comprising:

32. 32. The method of claim 31 further comprising: operating an optical filter device on the electro-optic chip to remove imperfections in multiple wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generator in route to the optical splitter.

33. An electro-optical chip, an optical power supply that outputs continuous wave light of a single wavelength; a comb generator having an optical input optically connected to receive the single wavelength of continuous wave light from the optical power supply, the comb generator configured to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength of the continuous wave laser light and transmit the multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light through an optical output of the comb generator; a transmitter macro that receives the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light from the optical output of the comb generator, the transmitter macro being configured to modulate one or more of the plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal that carries digital data; An electro-optical chip comprising:

34. 34. The electro-optic chip of claim 33, further comprising: a plurality of comb generators, the comb generator being one of the plurality of comb generators, each of the plurality of comb generators connected to receive the continuous wave light of the single wavelength from the optical power supply; an electro-optical chip comprising: a plurality of transmit macros, the transmit macro being one of the plurality of transmit macros, each transmit macro being connected to receive a plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light from a corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators.

35. 35. The electro-optic chip of claim 34, further comprising: an electro-optical chip comprising an optical splitter optically connected to split the continuous wave light of the single wavelength output by the optical power supply, the optical splitter optically connected to provide a portion of the continuous wave light of the single wavelength as input light to at least two of the plurality of comb generators.

36. 35. The electro-optic chip of claim 34, further comprising: an electro-optical chip comprising a plurality of optical filter devices each optically connected between a corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators and a corresponding one of the plurality of transmit macros, each of the plurality of optical filter devices configured to remove imperfections in a plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by the corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators.

37. 34. The electro-optic chip of claim 33, further comprising: a plurality of sending macros, and the sending macro is one of the plurality of sending macros; an optical splitter optically connected to provide a portion of the continuous wave light of each of the plurality of wavelengths generated by the comb generator to each of the plurality of transmitter macros; An electro-optical chip comprising:

38. 38. The electro-optic chip of claim 37, further comprising: an electro-optical chip comprising an optical filter device optically connected between the comb generator and the optical splitter, the optical filter device configured to remove imperfections in multiple wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generator.

39. 1. A method for operating an electro-optic chip, comprising: operating an optical power supply on the electro-optic chip to generate continuous wave light at a single wavelength; operating a comb generator on the electro-optic chip to generate multiple wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength of the continuous wave light; operating a transmitter macro on the electro-optic chip to modulate one or more of a plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generator to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data; A method comprising:

40. 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising: operating each of a plurality of comb generators on the electro-optic chip to generate a plurality of wavelengths of continuous wave light from the single wavelength of the continuous wave light, the comb generator being one of the plurality of comb generators; operating each of a plurality of transmitter macros on the electro-optical chip to modulate one or more of a plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by a corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data, wherein the transmitter macro is one of the plurality of transmitter macros.

41. 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising: operating an optical splitter on the electro-optic chip to provide a portion of the continuous wave light of the single wavelength generated by the optical power supply to at least two of the plurality of comb generators.

42. 41. The method of claim 40, further comprising: operating each of a plurality of optical filter devices on the electro-optic chip to remove imperfections in a plurality of wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by a corresponding one of the plurality of comb generators.

43. 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising: operating an optical splitter on the electro-optical chip to supply a portion of the continuous wave light of each of the plurality of wavelengths generated by the comb generator to each of a plurality of transmitter macros on the electro-optical chip, the transmitter macro being one of the plurality of transmitter macros; operating each of the plurality of transmitter macros to modulate one or more of the plurality of wavelengths of the portion of the continuous wave light to generate a modulated optical signal carrying digital data; A method comprising:

44. 44. The method of claim 43, further comprising: operating an optical filter device on the electro-optic chip to remove imperfections in multiple wavelengths of the continuous wave light generated by the comb generator in route to the optical splitter.

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