Nonlinear pre-distortion paired with digital resolution augmentation tackles the complexities of digital-to-analog conversion. Data repositories represent the neural system for the contemporary digital universe, handling, preserving, and disseminating vast amounts of data and applications. As the nerve centers for web-based enterprises and services, they are fundamental in preserving data reach, scalability, managing disaster recovery, and solidifying advanced security safeguards, thereby underpinning our globally interconnected digital realm.
At the epicenter of data depository operations are data center interconnects, the crucial networking frameworks that enable linkage among different entities within and outside of data centers. Critical to these interconnects are digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that transition digital impulses to analog for propagation through the copper transmission lines. These components are pivotal for achieving swift, economical, and low-delay connections. Nonetheless, there is a stumbling block due to the need for DACs of high resolution, which substantially raises optical module costs and acts as a barrier.
Innovative Shift in Data Transmission Approaches
The difficulty is directly tackled as scientists introduce an ingenious methodology that merges a look-up-table-based nonlinear predistortion technique with an enhancement in digital resolution. Outlined in Advanced Photonics Nexus, this strategy is designed to circumvent the struggles related to DACs of high resolution while ensuring effective data flow and interoperability within data center interconnects.
Remarkable experimental outcomes have been realized through the given technique, extending the limits of data transmission agility. By employing predistortion grounded in look-up-tables to curb nonlinear deficiencies, and augmentation of digital resolution to lessen the need for DAC resolution, the research squad set new records in data transmission efficacy.
Specifically, the novel digital signal processing method allowed for the conduction of signals at velocities surpassing 124 GBd PAM-4/6 and 112 GBd PAM-8 over a span of 2 km of regular single-mode fiber utilizing 3/3.5/4-bit DACs. Furthermore, it enabled the conduction of 124 GBd PAM-2/3/4 impulses over a length of 40 km of standard single-mode fiber using DACs rated at 1.5/2/3-bits. These breakthroughs signal monumental progress in data center interconnect framework, hinting at the future support of Ethernet connections aiming for rapid speeds of 800-GbE or even 1.6-TbE potentially.
Zhaopeng Xu, corresponding author from Peng Cheng Laboratory, emphasizes the transformational aspect of these findings, stating they ascertain “the transmission of peak data rates utilizing the most economical digital-to-analog converters for data center interconnects.”
This shift not only redefines data center interconnects but also has far-reaching consequences for varied applications in 6G access channels and passive optical networks. By navigating around the pitfalls of DACs with high resolution, this inventiveness also lays groundwork for more cost-effective and energy-efficient data transmission methodologies.
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