1.6T - GIGALIGHT

20Apr, 2026

GIGALIGHT Granted a Patent for External Light Source Optical Module

April 20, 2026, Shenzhen, China. – It was learned today from the intellectual property authority that GIGALIGHT has been granted a utility model patent for an 800G/1.6T/3.2T pluggable silicon photonics optical module with an external light source, which was filed in May 2025. The corresponding invention patent is currently under substantive examination.

The main difference between pluggable external light source optical modules and conventional pluggable optical modules lies in the externalization of the light source. These modules adopt ELSFP or OSFP packaging. In terms of using an external light source, they share a similar concept with NPO/CPO solutions. Pluggable external light source optical modules are designed to address the following key challenges:

1. Thermal and Power Consumption Issues in High-Speed Modules

Conventional 1.6T/3.2T pluggable optical modules generate excessive heat due to high power consumption, which in turn affects the laser source, reducing its efficiency and causing operational instability. We believe that in the 1.6T/3.2T era, the stable operation and lifespan of lasers are critical considerations. Pluggable external light source optical modules effectively avoid the instability caused by high temperature and high energy consumption affecting the laser.

2. Continuation of Pluggable Module Evolution Path

Pluggable external light source optical modules can continue the long-term evolutionary path of pluggable optics. A key assumption is that if NPO/CPO optical interconnect solutions do not meet expectations, pluggable modules with external light sources will remain a viable and user-friendly alternative. In addition, such modules can support applications in immersion liquid cooling environments.

We believe that NPO/CPO solutions based on external light sources represent the optimal evolutionary path for next-generation optical interconnects. At the same time, if customers develop 1.6T/3.2T systems based on the pluggable external light source optical module described in this patent, it can significantly improve development efficiency—though at the cost of reduced port density.

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 III-V optical modules, silicon photonics modules and silicon-based NPO/CPO engines, liquid-cooled optical modules, passive optical components, Active Optical Cables (AOCs), Direct Attach Cables (DACs), coherent optical communication modules, OPEN DCI BOX subsystems based on coherent and O-band DWDM optical modules, and UHD SDI video optical transceivers. GIGALIGHT focuses on applications including AI data centers, 5G transport networks, metropolitan WDM transmission, and ultra-HD broadcast and video, positioning itself as an innovative designer of high-speed optical interconnect hardware solutions.

16Mar, 2026

GIGALIGHT Successfully Launches First-Generation XT-1.6T DR16 NPO Linear Silicon Photonics Engine

March 16, 2026, Shenzhen, China. – The era of optical interconnects based on NPO/CPO is approaching. GIGALIGHT today announced the successful development of its XT-1.6T DR16 NPO linear silicon photonics engine, confirming that the NPO (Near-Packaged Optics) ecosystem—both domestically and internationally—has now taken shape.

XT-1.6T DR16-NPO Silicon Photonics Engine Overview

The 1600G NPO adopts a socket-based form factor. The product dimensions comply with the OIF-Co-Packaging-3.2T-Module-01.0 standard, combined with LPO linear direct-drive technology and flip-chip bonding technology.

Compared with traditional NPO/CPO architectures, the linear NPO silicon photonics engine eliminates the DSP, significantly reducing system-level power consumption and overall cost.

Product Photo

Application Scenarios

Key Features

1.6T CPO DR16 Silicon Photonics Engine

16 × 100G PAM4 architecture
Supports up to 500 m transmission distance
Power consumption < 16 W

EL-OSFP External Light Source Module

Front-facing optical port design
Supports 16-channel CWL high-power light sources

Key Performance Specifications

Transmitter:

The optical eye diagram shows excellent performance, with a typical TDECQ of only 2.2 dB. The module fully complies with the IEEE 802.3bs DR4 standard, enabling seamless interoperability with conventional DR4 optical modules that use DSPs, and supporting hybrid deployment of both new and legacy architectures.

Receiver:

At a BER of 1E-6, the sensitivity of all channels is better than –5 dBm, ensuring sufficient link budget for reliable operation.

The launch of the XT-1.6T DR16 NPO linear silicon photonics engine marks an important milestone for GIGALIGHT as it moves toward the next generation of high-integration 1.6T / 3.2T scale-up AI computing optical interconnects.

According to the roadmap, GIGALIGHT will soon introduce the second-generation 1.6T DR16 NPO linear silicon photonics engine, further validating its readiness for commercial deployment. Additional 1.6T and 3.2T NPO silicon photonics engines are also under active development.

The first-generation XT-1.6T DR16 NPO silicon photonics engine will be demonstrated live at OFC 2026 through GIGALIGHT’s commercial partners.

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 III-V optical modules, silicon photonics modules and silicon-based NPO/CPO engines, liquid-cooled optical modules, passive optical components, Active Optical Cables (AOCs), Direct Attach Cables (DACs), coherent optical communication modules, OPEN DCI BOX subsystems based on coherent and O-band DWDM optical modules, and UHD SDI video optical transceivers. GIGALIGHT focuses on applications including AI data centers, 5G transport networks, metropolitan WDM transmission, and ultra-HD broadcast and video, positioning itself as an innovative designer of high-speed optical interconnect hardware solutions.

6Jan, 2025

GIGALIGHT’s Message for the 2025 Launch of Employee Stock Ownership

January 6, 2025, Shenzhen, China. – Only when the fruit is ripe does it fall from the vine; growth necessitates experience. GIGALIGHT announces the launch of a stock ownership initiative for all employees at the beginning of 2025, bidding farewell to the past but not goodbye, for it signifies a reencounter in a brighter future!

The year 2024, now a chapter in our history, saw significant consolidation in our mass production and shipping capabilities for 800G SR8 based on the VCSEL platform, 800G DR8/2×FR4 (SiPh) based on the silicon photonics platform, and 800G PCC/ACC based on the copper interconnect technology platform. Additionally, we actively laid the groundwork for the high-end EML technology platform targeted at next-generation metropolitan area network interconnections. As we embark on a new chapter in 2025, GIGALIGHT’s mantra is: “Hold 800G Lead, Aim for 1.6T, Advance Coherent Tech” With the robust development of global optical communications and AI, we are confident that these goals will be beautifully achieved.

GIGALIGHT is a unique enterprise in the global optical transceiver and interconnect field, distinguished by its diversified and differentiated product portfolio. “Original aspiration, integrity, humility, and craftsmanship” are not only the guiding principles behind GIGALIGHT’s products and solutions but also the philosophy that guides the spiritual growth and interaction between GIGALIGHT and its employees. The world can exist without GIGALIGHT, but it cannot tolerate a GIGALIGHT that relies on rent-seeking, abandons the concept of justice, or lacks intellectual progress.

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.