Intel is steadily moving in the direction of the so-called silicon photonics, when optical transceivers will be integrated directly into the processor. The use of optical interfaces as interchip connections and communication with the periphery somehow already underway. More precise, it is done at a new level, which implies a reduction in the cost of optical ports and their appearance in the composition of consumer computing. First of all, we are talking about the interface Intel Thunderbolt ( Light Peak).
In the practical implementation of the interface Thunderbolt Apple has renounced the use of optics. Laptop with access to the fiber optic cable Thunderbolt just released by Sony and it was probably the only case. Since autumn last year, Intel began to promote second-generation standard Thunderbolt, increasing speed up to 20 Gbit / s in each direction. Thunderbolt 2 cables length also rely on copper compounds, but with the beginning of the year, went on sale optic Thunderbolt 2 price up to $ 900 for 30 meters. At this, Intel is not going to stop in 2015, it plans to raise the transmission speed to 50 Gbit / s.
Another development is based on the fact that for each fiber optic cable can transmit data at a speed of 25 Gbit / s. To transmit data through a cable with a speed of 50 Gbit / s is proposed to use the cable at the same time two optical fiber. However, Intel said that this project may be delayed because the bandwidth Thunderbolt 2 while missing out on all the relevant tasks.
Recall that Intel is still at the autumn session of the IDF in 2013 introduced a new concept in fact connectors for optical interfaces. This connector MXC, created in collaboration with companies Corning, US Conec, TE Connectivity and Molex. MXC connector fairly inexpensive, since it is based not on ceramic and metal, and plastic composite, and allows you to create cables with 64 optical fibers. Each fiber transmits a data rate of 25 Gbit / s, which means the maximum configuration of the total capacity of 1.6 Tb / s. Of course, this connector is focused on server application , but the elements of such an interface eventually find applications in consumer electronics and personal computers. Related Products :
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