Multi-chip Photonic Node for Scalable All-to-All Fabric Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compute fabrics for high-performance computing face challenges with high latency, cost, and power consumption due to the use of network switches and discrete optical transceivers, which are not suitable for achieving high bandwidth and all-to-all connectivity efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A network system utilizing multi-chip photonic nodes that directly interconnect compute nodes via optical cables, eliminating the need for network switches and discrete optical transceivers, and using quad-node loop routers to manage communications between nodes, allowing for scalable all-to-all connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If network switches and discrete optical transceivers are used to interconnect compute nodes, then connectivity is provided, but latency increases and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes network switches and discrete optical transceivers from the interconnection path between compute nodes. By eliminating these intermediate components, the system achieves direct optical connectivity between nodes, removing the sources of latency associated with packet switching and optical-electrical-optical conversions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces integrated photonic nodes as new intermediaries that combine optical routing and switching functions directly at the node level. These photonic nodes enable wavelength-selective routing and all-to-all connectivity without requiring separate network switches, reducing the number of intermediary components in the signal path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If network switches are used for all-to-all connectivity, then connectivity is achieved, but cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical routing, switching, and connectivity functions into integrated photonic nodes that are co-located with compute nodes. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate network switches and reduces the number of discrete optical transceivers, thereby lowering power consumption while maintaining all-to-all connectivity capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The photonic nodes provide multi-functional capabilities including wavelength-selective routing, optical switching, and all-to-all connectivity within a single integrated component. This universal functionality replaces multiple separate components (network switches, optical transceivers, routing logic) with a single multi-functional element, reducing overall system power consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If network switches and optical transceivers are used, then connectivity is provided, but the system becomes less scalable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network functionality by distributing photonic nodes to each compute node rather than using centralized network switches. This segmentation allows each node to independently perform optical routing and switching functions, simplifying the overall system architecture and improving scalability as the network grows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength division multiplexing as an additional dimension for connectivity. By utilizing multiple wavelengths on the same physical links, the system achieves all-to-all connectivity without increasing the number of physical connections or switches, thereby reducing system complexity while enhancing connectivity capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution significantly reduces latency, cost, and power consumption while enabling high-bandwidth, scalable all-to-all connectivity among compute nodes, enhancing the performance of high-performance computing systems.
Implementation Method 1
signal conversions between electrical and optical domain
Data Source
AI summary
A photonic node includes a first circuit disposed on a first substrate and a second circuit disposed on a second substrate different from the first substrate. The first circuit is configured to route light signals originated from the photonic node to local nodes of a local group in which the photonic node is a member. The second circuit is configured to route light signals received from a node of an external group in which the photonic node is not a member, to one of the local nodes.