Scaling Star-Coupler-Based Optical Networks for Avionics Applications

Abstract

Abstract-In this work scaling of an optical broadcastand-select network based on a passive star coupler is explored for avionics applications. Each client in the network is equipped with a transmitter unit and a multichannel receiver capable of receiving signals from all other clients connected to the star coupler. We propose a connecting node concept to scale the number of clients supported by the architecture. These connecting nodes act as bridges between star couplers, enabling the organization of several star couplers into a topology with additional clients. This design is modeled in the PhoenixSim simulation environment, and system-level simulation results are reported. We then propose the ring topology and dimension-N topology to interconnect and scale star couplers. Finally we compare the ring and dimension-N topologies in terms of scalability limit at different crossing traffic loads, revealing the trade-offs between latency, system complexity, and scalability. Our study shows that a robust, lowlatency network of up to hundreds of clients, sufficient for current and next-generation avionics applications, can be built using off-the-shelf and near-term commercial technology.

Single Microring-Based <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2\times 2$ </tex-math></inline-formula> Silicon Photonic Crossbar Switches

“…o address the power and bandwidth challenges of next-generation high-performance multi-core computing systems, on-chip optical interconnects have emerged as a promising technology solution [1][2]. In particular, silicon photonics offer the possibility for realizing on-chip optical interconnects that are compatible with existing complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) fabrication processes, thus meeting the criteria of providing high-bandwidth energy-efficient connectivity at low cost and within a small footprint.…”

Scalable Interconnection Scheme for Data Center Multicast Applications

“…The limited port count of star couplers as well as the tuning range of optical transceivers and filters make scalable optical multicasting a significant challenge [4]. Efforts have been made to overcome these shortfalls by interconnecting couplers in a nontransparent fashion [5]; however, performing frequent optoelectronic conversions is not desirable within data centers.…”

10-Gb/s BPSK link using Silicon Microring Resonators for Modulation and Demodulation

“…It has been proposed in a number of applications such as on-chip optical interconnect, nonlinear signal processing, optical access networks as well as next-generation computing systems [1][2][3][4][5][6], offering a potentially disruptive technology solution. For instance, combining its low-cost nature with the high volume market in the access network, silicon photonics could expedite fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) deployment and satisfy the increasing user bandwidth demand.…”