Optical Links Eliminate Bulky Box-To-Box Cables

摘要

As data-bandwidth requirements continue to escalate in data-communications switches and routers as well as high-performance multiprocessor systems, moving data between systems and even within racks depends on ever-faster interfaces. Even hardwired backplane costs are escalating. As bus speeds rise, such backplanes may no longer be economical or practical. High-speed serial host adapters can move data from system to system at 10 Gbits/s. But they're still very expensive and not very cost-effective for short-range data transfers of 300 m or less. Furthermore, wide buses or flat cables that deliver differential data 128 bits at a time at speeds of 200 MHz or faster are often restricted to lengths of just a few meters. Creating such cables also isn't for faint-hearted designers.