Embracing Innovation: The Evolution of 800G Optical Transceivers

In today's rapidly evolving digital environment, network technology plays a vital role in facilitating seamless communication and data exchange. As the demand for higher bandwidth and faster data transmission speeds continues to grow, the application of high-speed modules is imperative.

Key Technological Drivers for 800G

PAM4

The utilization of PAM4 modulation has demonstrated remarkable cost-effectiveness in doubling the effective data rate per lane, all while keeping the baud rate constant. PAM4 employs four signal levels, with each symbol representing two bits of data (00, 01, 11, or 10).

Presently, 100G PAM4 has become established, facilitating more economical 100GE through a single wavelength (single lambda), and 400GE through four wavelengths for single mode fiber (SMF) links. The advent of 25.6T switches and routers equipped with 100G PAM4 interfaces will accelerate the adoption of 800G ports efficiently.

The upcoming wave of innovations in development will introduce support for 200G PAM4 wavelengths. This advancement aims to streamline the optical intricacies and lower the cost of modules, while also facilitating enhanced capacity for switch and router systems and the introduction of 3.2Tbps ports. As industry standards align on the necessary coding, equalization, and error correction techniques, 800G is poised to become more economically viable across a range of applications. Check out NRZ vs. PAM4 Modulation Techniques to learn more about PAM4.

Silicon Photonics Technology

Silicon photonics stands out as a pivotal technology, merging photonic components with high-speed transceiver capabilities onto a silicon substrate. This approach has found extensive application in the realm of 100G and 400G optical modules. Leveraging silicon photonics allows for the utilization of standard wafer fabrication facilities, streamlining the mass production of optical subsystems and thereby reducing assembly costs. This integration strategy proves especially crucial for compact optical modules with multiple lanes and sophisticated coherent optical modules boasting intricate optical functionalities.

800G Form Factors

• QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Double Density): QSFP-DD is a double-density four-channel small module package. It is based on an extension of the QSFP packaging standard that enables higher speeds by adding additional socket density. QSFP-DD supports 800G applications using 100G PAM4 lanes (QSFP-DD800). QSFP-DD MSA is currently developing the next generation of QSFP-DD to support 1.6T and 200G lanes (QSFP-DD 1600).

• OSFP (Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable): OSFP is an eight-channel small module package designed to support high-speed data transmission. Its size and interface design are similar to QSFP-DD, but offers a larger channel count and higher bandwidth. OSFP packaging supports 800G rate. In 2022, the OSFP specification is further enhanced to include support for 1.6T modules with 200G PAM4 lanes, referred to as OSFP1600.

• CPO (Co-Packaged Optics): CPO is an innovative technology that refers to the electro-optical integration where the optical engine and the switch chip are encapsulated together, rather than using a pluggable optical module format. This approach allows for faster transmission of electrical signals between the engine and the chip by shortening the distance between the optical engine and the switch chip. It effectively reduces size, lowers power consumption, and enhances efficiency.

Application of 800G Optical Transceivers

• Data Center: Data centers are one of the primary application scenarios for 800G optical modules. Data centers are vital facilities for storing, processing, and managing large volumes of information. The high transmission speed of 800G optical modules can meet the data center's demands for high bandwidth and low latency, enabling fast data transmission and processing.

• 5G Communication: The high transmission speed and low latency of 800G optical modules can provide reliable network connections, supporting various applications in 5G communication, such as smart transportation, intelligent manufacturing, and smart cities.

• Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs): The high transmission speed of 800G optical modules can offer higher bandwidth and more stable connections, meeting the demands of metropolitan area networks for high-speed networks. This facilitates the development of urban informatization and the economy.

Summary

The emergence of 800G optical modules heralds a new era in network connectivity technology. FS is actively responding to this trend by launching a variety of 800G optical transceiver, including Ethernet and InfiniBand protocols. With powerful performance, abundant inventory, and rapid delivery, FS can provide customers with high-quality 800G solutions.