Mydesign, the idea is definitely revolutionary, although it isn't new, as we see from 10 years of research. But copper doesn't complete disappear from the board--not yet, anyway.
Thanks, Chuck. Looks to me like some patient, careful R&D on the part of two big companies that know how to do patient, careful R&D and have the deep pockets for it. Plus how to come up with a practical solution that addresses all the challenges. I don't see that very often.
I agree Charles - we have been hearing of this technology for years - transmitting light to carry data in computers. It's nice to see someone is working on a solution and it is starting to become something that may be marketable in the near future...
Ann, there is no doubt that light can carry more information at a higher speed. Moreover, I think signal losses are also very less and what about the cost factor when compare with the conventional method of data transfer.
"Although fiber optics has replaced copper wires for communications connections outside the system, the time has come to move those speed advantages inside to board and chip data interconnects."
Ann you are right, in most of the high speed data connectivity, all copper/coaxial cables are replaced by optical fibers. I think the next stage is transferring data through laser or light.
Great story, Ann. Reading it -- especially the part about the cost advantages -- makes me wonder what's holding this technology back. Sure seems like there should be a market for it.
Thanks, Elizabeth. Summarizing these technologies can be quite a challenge. This one is especially exciting because it's been worked on for so long, and has great promise.
Informative article on something I didn't know much about. As usual, Ann, you write about complexity in a way even non-technical people can understand.
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