WDM Optical Interconnects for ASIC Links Without E-O Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current connection systems for ASICs in network-connected computing systems, such as servers and switches, suffer from poor power efficiency and lossy connections due to the need for electrical-to-optical signal conversion, which limits communication speed and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An optical connection system using wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) is implemented to connect multiple ASICs to optical interfaces via optical fibers, allowing each ASIC to output data at different wavelengths directly to a single optical fiber, eliminating the need for electrical-to-optical conversion and enabling lossless communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If electrical-to-optical conversion is used in conventional connection systems, then data can be transmitted between ASICs and optical interfaces, but power consumption increases and communication efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional electrical-to-optical conversion system with a direct optical connection system. Optical signals are transmitted directly from the ASIC through optical interconnects to the optical interface without requiring electrical conversion stages, thereby eliminating the power consumption and efficiency losses associated with signal conversion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the electrical-to-optical conversion components from the signal path. By eliminating the transceivers and conversion circuitry, the system achieves direct optical transmission, reducing power consumption and improving communication efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Speed

If electrical-to-optical conversion is used in conventional connection systems, then data transmission is enabled, but signal loss occurs and communication speed is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidsignal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electrical signal transmission with direct optical signal transmission. Optical signals maintain their integrity over the transmission medium without the signal degradation and speed limitations inherent in electrical-to-optical conversion systems, enabling higher communication speeds and reducing signal loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple ASICs connect to optical interfaces through conventional electrical connections, then data transmission is possible, but power efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer efficiencyVSAvoidpower efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical connection systems with direct optical interconnects for multiple ASICs. Each ASIC connects directly to the optical interface via optical signals, eliminating the need for electrical conversion at each connection point, thereby improving power efficiency while maintaining high data transfer efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal optical interface that can handle multiple ASIC connections simultaneously through direct optical interconnects. This unified optical system serves multiple functions - connecting multiple ASICs to multiple optical interfaces without requiring separate electrical-to-optical conversion paths for each connection, thus improving overall power efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach enhances communication efficiency, reduces power consumption, and increases data transfer rates by utilizing optical signals directly, overcoming the limitations of conventional systems that require electrical-to-optical conversion.

Implementation Method 1

An optical interface may receive optical signals from, for example, four ASICs, each operating at different wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths. As a result, the optical interface may be capable of outputting a multiplexed signal containing data from each of a plurality of ASICs onto a single optical fiber.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWavelength-division multiplexing: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 2

Each light source may provide a stream of light (e.g., a constant stream of light or continuous wave) to one or more electrical-to-optical (E-O) converter(s) in the ASIC package or on a same board as the ASIC package.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical-to-optical conversion: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS12500684B2Systems and methods for optically connecting processing devices and interfaces

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 MELLANOX TECHNOLOGIES LTD(IL)

AI summary

A system including multiple processing devices such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Each processing device is provided with light at one or more wavelengths. Each processing device outputs data, at the wavelength of the optical signal received, to one or more interfaces. Each interface outputs a multiplexed signal containing data from each of the processing devices on a single optic fiber.