Coherent Announces Optical Circuit Switch for Data Centers
March 25 2024 - 7:30AM
Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a global leader in optical
communications materials, components, and subsystems, announced
today the introduction of a new optical circuit switch (OCS) based
on the company’s field-proven and ultrareliable Datacenter
Lightwave Cross-Connect (DLX™).
Deploying an OCS-based architecture enables operators of
artificial intelligence (AI) clusters to dramatically reduce the
number of electrical switches required in data center networks,
and, more importantly, reduces the costly
optical-to-electrical-to-optical (OEO) conversions that such
electrical switches require. In an OCS, data signals remain in the
optical domain as they transit the switch; eliminating OEO
conversion can provide dramatic cost and power consumption savings.
Furthermore, unlike traditional switches, the OCS does not need to
be upgraded when the AI clusters are equipped with higher-speed
connections in subsequent generations. For data centers, this
significantly improves the return on capital expenditure.
Figure 1. Coherent Datacenter Lightwave Cross-Connect
(DLX™).
“This OCS adds to our already vibrant data center optics
business,” said Chair and CEO Dr. Vincent D. (“Chuck”) Mattera, Jr.
“Coherent made a very strong investment in supporting AI through
our highly successful optical transceivers, and this OCS product
provides further value and differentiation for that same AI
ecosystem.”
OCS-based architectures are being adopted in AI networks because
of their cost-effectiveness and efficiency. “AI networks demand a
heightened level of reliability compared to traditional hyperscale
data center applications. It is critical that the switches utilized
in these AI networks do not cause any interruptions during the
training or operation of large AI workloads,” said Sameh
Boujelbene, Vice President at Dell’Oro Group. “OCS switches help
address the scalability, reliability, and cost challenges in AI
networks.”
Coherent pioneered the use of digital liquid-crystal technology
in wavelength selective switches (WSSs) over 18 years ago and has
shipped more than 160,000 such WSS systems, including solutions for
ultrahigh-reliability undersea applications. The company has now
adapted this liquid-crystal technology into the DLXTM platform that
forms the core of this OCS. Competing electromechanical approaches
typically suffer from lower reliability due to the extremely high
internal voltages required to operate them. By contrast, Coherent
DLXTM requires exceptionally low drive voltage (less than 10 V) to
switch its liquid-crystal cells.
Coherent will demonstrate a 300-port x 300-port OCS based on
DLXTM technology at OFC 2024 in San Diego, March 26-28. This
first-of-its-kind live demonstration based on liquid-crystal
technology will illustrate the scalability and practicality of the
DLXTM platform. Volume shipments of the DLXTM OCS are expected to
commence in 2025.
About Coherent
Coherent empowers market innovators to define the future through
breakthrough technologies, from materials to systems. We deliver
innovations that resonate with our customers in diversified
applications for the industrial, communications, electronics, and
instrumentation markets. Headquartered in Saxonburg, Pennsylvania,
Coherent has research and development, manufacturing, sales,
service, and distribution facilities worldwide. For more
information, please visit us at coherent.com.
Contact
Amy WilsonManager, Corporate
Communicationscorporate.communications@coherent.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cbfd48c3-0008-409d-9aa0-7569cff37239
Coherent (NYSE:COHR)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jun 2024 to Jul 2024
Coherent (NYSE:COHR)
Historical Stock Chart
From Jul 2023 to Jul 2024