Shenzhen, China, Jan. 02, 2024 – In 2023, GIGALIGHT secured and successfully executed a large-scale deployment project for 400G silicon optical modules in an overseas data center. As per prospective client communications, there are imminent plans for the rapid implementation of an 800G data center, leveraging GIGALIGHT’s state-of-the-art and reliable 800G silicon photonics (SiPh) optical modules.

GIGALIGHT has made significant strides in silicon optical chip and module development since 2018, successfully completing the production or sampling stage for at least 10 different kinds of silicon photonics modules. More innovative and differentiated silicon photonics optical modules are set for release in 2024.

Bulk production:

• 100G QSFP28 DR1/FR1/LR1 SiPh Optical Modules
• 400G QSFP-DD/QSFP112/OSFP-RHS DR4&DR4+ SiPh Optical Modules

Sample production:

• 400G QSFP-DD/QSFP112/OSFP-RHS FR4&LR4 SiPh Optical Modules
• 100G QSFP28 DWDM1 SiPh Optical Modules
• 800G QSFP-DD DR8/DR8+/DR8++ SiPh Optical Modules
• 800G OSFP DR8/DR8+/DR8++ SiPh Optical Modules
• 400G QSFP-DD PSM DWDM4 SiPh Optical Modules
• 800G OSFP/QSFP-DD 2×FR4 SiPh Optical Modules

The mass production of SiPh optical modules is primarily attributed to our proprietary and customized COP TM (Chip on Plane) process platform. This single platform enables the planar form factor of various lasers, including DML, EML, silicon optics, and TFLN. Leveraging the capabilities of this process platform and substantial investments in 800G/400G automated testing equipment, GIGALIGHT has recently achieved a composite monthly output capacity of 10K for 800G/400G multimode and single-mode optical modules!

GIGALIGHT’s SiPh optical modules and multimode VCSEL technology collectively comprise an integrated solution tailored for high-speed AI data center interconnections. These SiPh optical modules specifically target interconnection scenarios exceeding 100 meters, while within the 100-meter range, the preference leans towards low-power 400G SR4/800G SR8 multimode optical modules. Looking ahead, silicon optics might eventually emerge as the ultimate solution.

However, assessing SiPh optical technology based solely on power consumption might be an unnecessary focus. In fact, GIGALIGHT’s product line showcases that both the silicon-based 400G and 800G optical modules do not exhibit power consumption disadvantages compared to EML technology. Currently, debates on power consumption might not hold immediate significance, given that power consumption primarily depends on the utilized DSP. In the forthcoming future, silicon optics could take on the significant task of reducing power consumption in the link away from DSPs. Philosophically speaking, the focus should shift from debating the current state to earnestly approaching future innovations.

About GIGALIGHT

As an open optical networking explorer, Gigalight integrates the design, manufacturing, and sales of both active and passive optical devices and subsystems. The company’s product portfolio includes optical modules, silicon photonics modules, liquid-cooled modules, passive optical components, active optical cables, direct attach copper cables, coherent optical communication modules, and OPEN DCI BOX subsystems. Gigalight focuses on serving applications such as data centers, 5G transport networks, metropolitan WDM transmission, ultra-HD broadcast and video, and more. It stands as an innovative designer of high-speed optical interconnect hardware solutions.