Opto-Interconnection System

A fiber optic device connector will enable the development of a new generation inoptical computer technology. By developing an optical interconnect that connectsto the transmit and detector elements mounted in the device will improve systemperformance through increased data transmission rates, lower power consumption,opto-isolation of all I/O and a enabling of the single point ground philosophy.Current fiber optic systems use discrete devices to covert the light pulses fromthe fiber optic cable into electrical signals. These signals are then conductedto the next device using a printed wiring board to high-count I/O packages.These signals are then demultiplexed down to a lower data rate required by thelower speed, low power technologies. As a consequence the I/O increases tomaintain the data rate. I/O power is a significant contributor to the overallpower consumption of the IC. By integrating the transmitter, detector and fiberoptic cable connection into the device package the device I/O pin count can bereduced. This allows a significant reduction in the device power requirementsthat are needed to drive the I/O and an increase in the data transfer rates bynot having to leave the device package.These efforts will offer major savings on device power consumption,inherent radiation hardness, increased reliability through elimination ofsolder joints, increased immunity from electrical noise and crosstalk.