Tuesday, October 10, 2023

OCP and JEDEC advance chiplet design

The Open Compute Project Foundation (OCP) and JEDEC announced a collaboration to revolutionize chiplet design, manufacturing and integration.

In a significant development, the integration of OCP CDXML into JEP30 has reached a critical milestone, enabling chiplet builders to provide standardized chiplet part descriptions to their customers electronically. This advancement opens the door to automating System in Package (SiP) design and assembly using chiplets. The chiplet descriptions encompass crucial information for SiP builders, including thermal properties, physical and mechanical requirements, behavior specifications, power and signal integrity properties, testing in-package and security parameters.

The Chiplet Design Exchange (CDX), an open-source working group operating in the Open Domain-Specific Architecture (ODSA) sub-project within the Open Compute Project, comprises a team of experts from diverse fields, including EDA, system design, IC and SiP design, OSAT, IC fabrication and material supply. Their collective mission, and that of the OCP ODSA Project, revolves around nurturing a flourishing open chiplet economy. The CDX group presented a whitepaper at the IEEE 3DIC 2021 conference in October 2021, introducing standardized chiplet models designed for development and validation of 3D IC designs. While many of these models drew from established standards, a standout innovation emerged in the form of machine-readable models for electrical and mechanical properties, which have since evolved into the JEDEC JEP30 PartModels. These models form the foundation of a Chiplet Design Kit (CDK).

“The integration of JEDEC JEP30 and OCP CDXML is truly a groundbreaking endeavor, creating a unified platform that revolutionizes chiplet and electronic part integration,” said Michael Durkan, JEDEC Task Group Chair and PartModel Sponsor. He continued: “Enabling component manufacturers to create standardized digital part models that can be easily used by designers and engineers in all varieties of electronic systems will help propel the industry forward with next-level digitalization and automation.”

“By uniting the power of OCP CDXML and JEDEC JEP30 standards, we are forging a new era of collaboration and innovation in the chiplet industry. This integration empowers engineers, manufacturers and designers with a comprehensive framework that enhances efficiency, compatibility and customization,” said Cliff Grossner, Ph.D., Chief Innovation Officer with OCP. He added: “The OCP CDXML-JEDEC JEP30 collaboration embodies OCP’s value proposition and its commitment to driving progress and elevating the industry as a whole.”



https://www.opencompute.org/summit/global-summit


Nokia carries 800G single wavelength over 7865 km

Nokia announced two new world records in submarine optical transmission: 

  • 800 Gbps on a single optical wavelength at a distance of 7865 km – the distance between Tokyo and Seattle. Nokia Bell Labs achieved this milestone at its optical research testbed in Paris-Saclay, France.
  • a net throughput of 41 Tbps over 291 km via a C-band unrepeated transmission system. This record was achieved by both Nokia Bell Labs and Nokia subsidiary Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN).  C-band unrepeated systems are commonly used to connect islands and offshore platforms to each other and the mainland proper. The previous record for these kinds of systems is 35 Tbps over the same distance. Nokia Bell Labs and ASN broke the record at ASN’s research testbed facility, also in Paris-Saclay.

Nokia said the achievements were made possible by higher-baud-rate technologies. The research behind these two records will have significant impact on the next generation of submarine optical transmission systems. While future deployments of submarine fiber will take advantage of new fiber technologies like multimode and multicore, the existing undersea fiber networks can take advantage of next-generation higher-baud-rate transceivers to boost their performance and increase their long-term viability.  

Sylvain Almonacil, Research Engineer at Nokia Bell Labs, said: “With these higher baud rates, we can directly link most of the world’s continents with 800 Gbps of capacity over individual wavelengths. Previously, these distances were inconceivable for that capacity. Furthermore, we’re not resting on our achievement. This world record is the next step toward next-generation Terabit-per-second submarine transmissions over individual wavelengths.”

Hans Bissessur, Unrepeated Systems Group leader at ASN, said: “These research advances show that that we can achieve better performance over the existing fiber infrastructure. Whether these optical systems are crisscrossing the world or linking the islands of an archipelago, we can extend their lifespans.”

https://www.nokia.com/about-us/news/releases/2023/10/10/nokia-bell-labs-sets-a-new-world-record-of-800-gbps-for-transoceanic-optical-transmission/


CoreSite enables 50G between data centers and Google Cloud

CoreSite is now providing its colocation customers with the ability to create 20G and 50G virtual connections to Google Cloud and between CoreSite data centers.

These enhancements to the Open Cloud Exchange (OCX), CoreSite’s leading software-defined networking platform, also reduce the time required for organizations to augment network capacity and support the next wave of high-bandwidth, low-latency hybrid applications such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and digital media production.

CoreSite launched the new OCX capabilities as part of an initiative to support a global streaming media and entertainment (M&E) client, which will leverage the enhanced functionality to support its burst operations in peak production season – improving operational agility to meet stringent movie launch schedules.

“Businesses are looking for innovative ways to improve agility and optimize their operations,” said Juan Font, President and CEO of CoreSite, SVP of U.S. Tower. “By providing enhanced connection capabilities through our proprietary Open Cloud Exchange with Google Partner Interconnect, CoreSite is delivering the platform customers require to meet the growing need to access and manage their data effectively.”

https://www.coresite.com/newsroom/coresite-launches-enhanced-open-cloud-exchange-r-bandwidth-connections-up-to-50g-with-google-cloud

  • CoreSite currently operates 28 data centers in 10 U.S. markets.

DC BLOX opens Cable Landing Station in South Carolina

DC BLOX inaugurated its Cable Landing Station (CLS) in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 

The new facility will offer a design capacity at full build-out of 125,000 sq. ft. and 19 MW of power. It can host up to five subsea cables and colocation space for network and cable operators, communications providers, local enterprises, and partners.

Google has announced two subsea cables that will land at the DC BLOX Cable Landing Station including the Firmina cable connecting Myrtle Beach to Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, and the Nuvem cable to connect to Portugal and Bermuda. Edge Holdings (a subsidiary of Meta) has announced that it plans to land its Anjana cable connecting to Spain.


DC BLOX is also building a dark fiber route from their Myrtle Beach Cable Landing Station to Atlanta’s communications hub, the first direct east-to-west route enabling high-capacity direct access to hundreds of communications providers and to a rapidly growing population of regional data centers. The dark fiber route also enables diversity for core fiber routes connecting Northern Virginia to Atlanta.

“South Carolina is a growing innovation hub, bringing in new economic opportunities through digital infrastructure and other technology investments,” says Lee Livingston, Director of Partnerships at Google. “We look forward to the continued partnership with our neighbors in Myrtle Beach, and are committed to making sure the Firmina and Nuvem subsea cables deliver lasting benefits to the state.”

“South Carolina is a crucial part of the U.S. and global economy, so Meta is proud to join DC BLOX in partnering with the state of South Carolina to bring this crucial connectivity project to Myrtle Beach”, notes Meta’s Boh DuPree, Director of Network Investments – Americas. “This cable landing station serves as an important investment that Meta believes will benefit millions of people, communities and businesses in South Carolina and beyond.” 

“As we embarked on this journey, we saw the opportunity to redefine what a cable landing station could be by creating a pivotal hub where companies could colocate and connect, and to fundamentally change the digital landscape of the Southeast,” remarks Jeff Uphues, CEO of DC BLOX. “The grand opening of our new facility opens up opportunities for global and regional communications providers, hyperscalers, and enterprises to more easily participate in the global economy and to leverage this infrastructure to create an AI-driven future. Together, we’re not just meeting today’s needs; we’re pioneering the infrastructure of tomorrow.”

https://www.dcblox.com/dc-blox-opens-myrtle-beach-cable-landing-station/

Nokia supplies nationwide optical backbone for du in UAE

Nokia has supplied a 400G national optical backbone network for du from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC). 

du's new optical backbone network will leverage Nokia’s fifth-generation super-coherent Photonic Service Engine (PSE-Vs) and CDC-F ROADM technology to ensure efficient delivery of 400G wavelengths throughout the UAE. The Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) feature of the new network will help du to dramatically enhance the service level agreements by enabling automatic rerouting through alternate paths. The innovative network will also enable Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) capabilities to monetize wholesale service.

Saleem Alblooshi, CTO at du, said: “Our partnership with Nokia represents a key step forward in fulfilling du's commitment to shaping 'Today for Tomorrow.' Leveraging Nokia's cutting-edge optical technology solutions is a game-changer, not just for us, but for the entire UAE. It not only enhances our subscribers' experiences but also ensures the creation of a national optical backbone that is energy-efficient, sustainable, and ready to face the future. Through this initiative, du reasserts its commitment of building ‘Today for Tomorrow’ in line with the UAE’s vision of sustainability.”

Aliro Quantum attracts investment from Accenture

Aliro Quantum, a start-up based in Boston developing entanglement-based secure quantum networks, has attracted an equity investment from Accenture. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Aliro, spun out of NarangLab at Harvard University, includes world-class experts in quantum and classical networking and is leading the charge in quantum network development by offering the foundational technologies needed for organizations around the world to build scalable and powerful distributed quantum systems.

Solutions from Aliro enable businesses to automate the orchestration and control of quantum networks for use cases including with quantum secure communications, scaling quantum computing, distributed quantum sensing, and the quantum internet. Aliro uses entanglement-based quantum cryptography to allow senders and receivers to produce shared knowledge and outcomes, while also minimizing risk of a third party maliciously gaining access.

“The speed and security of quantum networking means that its impact on everything from telecommunications to cybersecurity to research will be more transformative and impactful than anything we can dream of today,” said Tom Lounibos, managing director, Accenture Ventures. “We will continue to support Aliro as the company moves towards its mission to build the world's first scalable quantum networks.”

Dr. Prineha Narang, founder and CTO with Aliro Quantum, said "I am deeply grateful for the confidence and trust placed in our team by Accenture Ventures. We believe this additional funding reinforces the significance that quantum networking has in shaping the future of secure communications and validates our approach to designing and building scalable and commercial entanglement-based quantum networks. We are excited to collaborate with Accenture to propel our business growth, nurture partnerships, and drive innovation in quantum information science."

https://www.aliroquantum.com

Commscope debuts enterprise-class Wi-Fi 7 by Ruckus

CommScope introduced an enterprise-class Wi-Fi 7 access point (AP)—the R770 from its RUCKUS Networks division.

The RUCKUS R770 platform is driven by RUCKUS AI, a cloud service for network assurance and business intelligence to enhance Wi-Fi 7 network resilience. RUCKUS AI simplifies network management by presenting key information to operators, improving network visibility, speeding up problem solving, meeting service level agreements (SLAs) and ensuring a seamless user experience.


The RUCKUS R770 is a high-end Wi-Fi 7, tri-band concurrent indoor AP that delivers 8 spatial streams (2x2:2 in 2.4GHz, 4x4:4 in 5GHz, 2x2:2 in 6GHz) and supports Wi-Fi 7 features such as, Multi-Link-Operation (MLO), Preamble Puncturing, 4K QAM Modulation and 320MHz channels. It delivers industry-leading performance environments with a combined data rate of 12.22 Gbps. Furthermore, 10Gbps Ethernet port eliminates wired backhaul bottleneck for full use of available Wi-Fi capacity.

“In the broader technology space, we constantly hear about ‘the next big thing’ that’s barreling down the pipeline—in our world, this is it,” stated Bart Giordano, senior vice president, RUCKUS Networks, CommScope. “Wi-Fi 7 is a quantum leap forward, the best way to fully utilize the capacity and performance offered by the 6 GHz band, and we’re privileged to take our place once again as a leader in this Wi-Fi revolution with the RUCKUS R770 platform. When ‘good enough’ networking just isn’t good enough, organizations turn to RUCKUS Networks. Emerging use cases in many challenging environments will benefit tremendously from Wi-Fi 7 in coming years. With the launch of the automatic frequency coordination (AFC)-ready R770 AP, we look to transform our entire AP portfolio to enable the industries we serve to benefit from the tremendous advancements in Wi-Fi 7.”

https://www.ruckusnetworks.com/products/wireless-access-points/r770/

NTT DATA and IP Infusion offer disaggregation for network operators

NTT DATA and IP Infusion are collaborating for go-to-market open networking solutions to bring enhanced disaggregation, scalability, and choices to network operators.

Specifically, NTT DATA will offer IP Infusion Cell Site Routers, Routed Optical Networking, Aggregation Router and Data Center software products, including bundled solutions, on a broad portfolio of white box hardware.

This collaboration for expanding broad connectivity was initiated by the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), including TIP solutions for Disaggregated Cell Site Gateways (DCSG) or Cell Site Routers and Cassini for Routed Optical Networking projects. Both NTT DATA and IP Infusion are members of TIP, which is driving development and deployment of open, disaggregated, and standards-based technology solutions to advance global connectivity.

“We are deeply committed to accelerating network disaggregation throughout our global ecosystem of customers and partners,” said Teodoro López Palacios, Partner, Telecom Sector at NTT DATA Europe & LATAM. “IP Infusion is a proven leader in open networking, providing award-winning and field-tested solutions that reduce total cost of ownership while expanding services. We are excited to help propel innovation, greater access, and better network outcomes to more users.”

“The systems integrator role is important for the TIP community, and the IP Infusion and NTT DATA alliance is a big step forward for bringing disaggregated solutions to a diverse range of use cases,” said Kristian Toivo, Executive Director of Telecom Infra Project. “NTT DATA and IP Infusion have long demonstrated deep expertise in open network solutions and this collaboration will help create a stronger, more flexible supply chain, supporting high-quality connectivity.”

Mitsubishi Electric to Invest in Coherent's new silicon carbide business

Mitsubishi Electric will invest US$500 million (approx. 75 billion yen) in Coherent Corp.'s new silicon carbide (SiC) spin-off.

Mitsubishi Electric said it is aiming to expand its SiC power device business by strengthening vertical collaboration with Coherent, who has been one of its suppliers of SiC substrates.

The electric vehicle market is expanding worldwide and is one of several emerging applications driving the exponential growth of SiC power devices, which offer lower energy loss, higher operating temperatures and faster switching speeds than conventional silicon power devices. The high efficiency of SiC power devices is expected to contribute significantly to global decarbonization and green transformation.

Mitsubishi Electric has been a leader in SiC power modules for high-speed trains, high-voltage industrial applications, and home appliances for many years. The company made history by launching the world’s first SiC power modules for air conditioners in 2010, and became the first supplier of a full SiC power module for Shinkansen high-speed trains in 2015. 

https://www.MitsubishiElectric.com/news/