Structure of an optical IO bus for computer application

Abstract

In this paper, we proposed the structure of computer IO bus system using optical interconnection. Additionally, structures of peripherals using optical interconnection, which adapted to optical IO bus system. Memory storage system, PCI-e card and OSB-USB converting system was proposed. These peripherals should support 5Gbps transmission because of rapidly increase of required data rate. Two alternative structures of IO bus system were proposed. Basically, the optical IO bus consist of Photonic devices, electronic devices such as SerDes, and optical link, however, alternative structure of optical IO bus was constructed with optical array module which can support both functions of SerDes and optical switch. Memory storage peripheral has similar structure with SSD memory, however optical PCB embedded on system could make it support larger data-throughput. PCI-e card proposed this thesis apparatus supporting compatibility of PCI-e slot and OSB (Optical Serial Bus). Furthermore, we proposed OSB, Optical Serial Bus, which is composition of MT ferrule, optical connector, and optical transmission line, embedded wave-guide or fiber in PCB. Apparatus of OSB-USB converting system was implement and supported 5Gbps optical transmission. To implement this peripherals, evaluation board and small-board for 10Gbps transmission was developed and latch which is key circuit of SerDes was also designed. Transceiver and photonic elements packaged on small-board was linked at 480Mbps, standard data rate of USB 2.0, and 5Gbps, expected data rate of next generation USB, through optical fiber, also.