Jabil aims 800G active optical cables at data center AI, cloud, HPC, ML applications
Jabil Inc. (NYSE: JBL) this month announced that its photonics business unit is expanding its design, manufacturing, and testing capabilities, culminating in the launch of a new 800G active optical cable (AOC) series. Jabil says the new product offering addresses the rapid pace of advancements in optics-enabled network and data center architectures, while supporting the continuing surge of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud, high-performance computing (HPC), and machine learning (ML) applications.
QSFP-DD and OSFP form factors
The first product in Jabil’s new AOC family is available in two configurations to offer data center operators increased deployment flexibility. The first configuration supports point-to-point communications at speeds up to 800Gbps over distances of up to 100 meters.
A breakout-cable configuration also is available, which connects a single 800Gbps interface with two 400G QSFP-DD modules. The breakout cable is ideally suited to connect next-gen switches operating at 800Gbps with existing ports operating at 400Gbps without requiring additional conversion or mapping.
The new 800G AOC product will be available in both QSFP-DD and OSFP form factors.
VCSEL and DSP superiority
In addition to decreasing deployment requirements and costs, Jabil’s AOC offering delivers significant performance and efficiency benefits using Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) technology operating at 100Gbps per fiber and 800G PAM4 Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology.
As noted by the manufacturer, VCSEL technology is gaining traction rapidly for its ability to address the rigorous requirements of demanding applications, including short-reach, high-speed optical communications, 3D sensing, and facial recognition. In addition to elevated performance, Jabil’s AOC solution offers seamless compatibility with a vast range of Ethernet switch designs.
KW Hoo, vice president of the photonics business unit at Jabil, remarked:
“Jabil’s investments in key enabling technologies and world-class facilities are driving the availability of game-changing photonics solutions and capabilities, With the introduction of our 800G AOC family, we meet immediate needs for low-cost, high-performance, short-distance interconnects. Jabil’s ability to push the boundaries of photonics technology is backed by strong product design, precision manufacturing, and packaging services that advance optical communications excellence on behalf of our global customers and valued partner ecosystem.”
Jabil showcased its advanced photonics technologies at OFC 2023 (Mar. 5-9) in San Diego. The company's first 800G AOC product will be available during the second half of 2023. The company reports that development is also underway on 400G AOC products to extend its AOC product line while accommodating a wide range of applications.
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