Smart multichip module communications using free-space optical interconnects

David S. McCallum; Peter S. Guilfoyle

doi:10.1117/12.229280

30 January 1996 Smart multichip module communications using free-space optical interconnects

David S. McCallum, Peter S. Guilfoyle

Proceedings Volume 10284, Optoelectronic Interconnects and Packaging: A Critical Review; 1028405 (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.229280
Event: Photonics West '96, 1996, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Free-space optical interconnects are an attractive method for providing data channels between the chips in a multichip module because free-space optical interconnects offer the promise of lower energy, higher bandwidth data pathways than are possible with electronics. In this paper, we describe the range of operating conditions in which free-space optical interconnects offer a performance improvement over conventional electronic interconnects and over other optical interconnection techniques. The high performance optoelectronic computing (HPOC) module architecture is suitable for chip-to-chip communications in a multichip module. We show that, in addition to simply transferring data between chips or performing clock distribution, the HPOC module architecture can be used to perform calculations. It is necessary to modify the optical design of the HPOC module to make it conform to the coplanar geometry of the multichip module. An estimate is made of the performance capabilities of the HPOC module for data pipeline, clock distribution, and data routing in multichip modules. Finally, we show that multichip modules equipped with optical interconnects can be used for switching and data routing applications.

Citation Download Citation

David S. McCallum and Peter S. Guilfoyle "Smart multichip module communications using free-space optical interconnects", Proc. SPIE 10284, Optoelectronic Interconnects and Packaging: A Critical Review, 1028405 (30 January 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.229280

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available