Parallel optical interface

Parallel Optic Interface is a form of fiber optic technology aimed primarily at relatively short distance (less than 300 meters) and high aggregate data rate applications. Parallel optic interfaces is different from the traditional fiber optic communications in that data is simultaneously transmitted and received over multiple fibers. Different methods exist for splitting the data over this high bandwidth link. In the simplest form, the parallel optic link is a replacement for many serial data communication links. In the more typical application, one byte of information is split up into bits and each bit is coded and sent across the individual fibers. Needless to say, there are many ways to perform this multiplexing provided the fundamental coding at the fiber level meets the channel requirement.

The main applications for parallel optic interfaces is found in telecommunications and supercomputing applications. It displaces copper backplanes that is commomly used for large switching equipment design.

There are two forms of commercially available products for parallel optic interfaces. The first is a 12 channel system consisting of an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The second is a 4 channel transceiver product that is capable of transmitting 4 channels and receiving 4 channels in one product.

Parallel optics is often the most cost effective solution for getting 40 gigabits per second of data over distances exceeding 100 meter at this time.