Intel claims to have developed 50Gbps silicon optics

Intel researchers have developed a silicon-based, optical data connection prototype capable of transferring up to 50 gigabits per second.

Currently, computer components are linked to each other via copper cables or traces on circuit boards
. However, metals such as copper are prone to signal degradation when transferring data over long distances.

Intel photonics link hits 50 GbpsThis effectively limits the design of computers – forcing processors, memory and other components – to be placed just inches from each other.

But Intel’s silicon-based optical data connection could eventually allow the industry to replace traditional connections with extremely thin and light optical fibers capable of transferring gigabits of data over long distances. Intel researchers have developed a silicon-based, optical data connection prototype capable of transferring up to 50 gigabits per second.

Currently, computer components are linked to each other via copper cables or traces on circuit boards
. However, metals such as copper are prone to signal degradation when transferring data over long distances.

Intel photonics link hits 50 GbpsThis effectively limits the design of computers – forcing processors, memory and other components – to be placed just inches from each other.

But Intel’s silicon-based optical data connection could eventually allow the industry to replace traditional connections with extremely thin and light optical fibers capable of transferring gigabits of data over long distances. Intel researchers have developed a silicon-based, optical data connection prototype capable of transferring up to 50 gigabits per second.

Currently, computer components are linked to each other via copper cables or traces on circuit boards
. However, metals such as copper are prone to signal degradation when transferring data over long distances.

Intel photonics link hits 50 GbpsThis effectively limits the design of computers – forcing processors, memory and other components – to be placed just inches from each other.

But Intel’s silicon-based optical data connection could eventually allow the industry to replace traditional connections with extremely thin and light optical fibers capable of transferring gigabits of data over long distances.