Keysight and Coherent unveil 200G multimode VCSEL technology at OFC

Keysight Technologies and Coherent Corp. have collaborated to demonstrate new 200G multimode vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) technology. This demonstration will take place at the Optical Fiber Conference (OFC) in San Francisco, aiming to meet the increasing data transfer demands in data centers driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) (AI/ML) applications. The new 200G VCSEL technology allows for data throughput of 200 Gbps per lane, effectively doubling the capacity of the fastest existing multimode interconnects. Its design targets improvements in speed and power efficiency compared to single-mode transmission, which has implications for capital and operational costs associated with data center infrastructure. The 200G multimode VCSEL offers several advantages, including increased bandwidth, lower power consumption, and reduced manufacturing costs. These factors contribute to a more efficient network architecture that supports the high-speed, short-reach interconnects necessary for data sharing among GPUs in AI pods and clusters. Keysight’s M8199B 256 GSa/s Arbitrary Waveform Generator drives the VCSEL in this demonstration. Executives from both companies highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing technology and acknowledged the significance of the 200G multimode VCSEL in enhancing data center performance and sustainability. Industry stakeholders can view this demonstration at Keysight’s booth at OFC from April 1-3, where experts will provide insights into the capabilities of the new VCSEL technology and its impact on Data Center Operations (DCO).