Low-latency photonic network using ultrashort-pulse transmission and time-domain processing

Abstract

This paper describes a family of interconnect system based on optical time division multiplexing (OTDM) for use as system area networks (SAN). The low latency and high bisection bandwidth that is attainable with this type of systems is ideally suited for scalable multiprocessor applications. The ability to rapidly switch transmission channels of these OTDM system gives them the logical appearance of a fully connected crossbar switch. However unlike large electronic crossbar switches which are difficult to control, the synchronicity inherent in OTDM allows a class of efficient, distributed arbitration and control algorithms with incremental extension capability. This paper describes the optical and electronic architecture of an OTDM interconnect system and discusses implementation, security and fault tolerance issues.