Abstract: A TORminator module is disposed with a switch linecard of a rack. The TORminator module receives downlink electrical data signals from a rack switch. The TORminator module translates the downlink electrical data signals into downlink optical data signals. The TORminator module transmits multiple subsets of the downlink optical data signals through optical fibers to respective SmartDistributor modules disposed in respective racks. Each SmartDistributor module receives multiple downlink optical data signals through a single optical fiber from the TORminator module. The SmartDistributor module demultiplexes the multiple downlink optical data signals and distributes them to respective servers. The SmartDistributor module receives multiple uplink optical data signals from multiple servers and multiplexes them onto a single optical fiber for transmission to the TORminator module.

Abstract: A TORminator module is disposed with a switch linecard of a rack. The TORminator module receives downlink electrical data signals from a rack switch. The TORminator module translates the downlink electrical data signals into downlink optical data signals. The TORminator module transmits multiple subsets of the downlink optical data signals through optical fibers to respective SmartDistributor modules disposed in respective racks. Each SmartDistributor module receives multiple downlink optical data signals through a single optical fiber from the TORminator module. The SmartDistributor module demultiplexes the multiple downlink optical data signals and distributes them to respective servers. The SmartDistributor module receives multiple uplink optical data signals from multiple servers and multiplexes them onto a single optical fiber for transmission to the TORminator module.

Abstract: An optical module includes a laser light supply system and a chip disposed within a housing. The chip includes a laser input optical port and a transmit data optical port and a receive data optical port. The optical module includes a link-fiber interface exposed at an exterior surface of the housing. The link-fiber interface includes a transmit data connector and a receive data connector. The optical module includes a polarization-maintaining optical fiber connected between a laser output optical port of the laser light supply system and the laser input optical port of the chip. The optical module includes a first non-polarization-maintaining optical fiber connected between the transmit data optical port of the chip and the transmit data connector of the link-fiber interface. The optical module includes a second non-polarization-maintaining optical fiber connected between the receive data optical port of the chip and the receive data connector of the link-fiber interface.

Abstract: A plurality of lid structures include at least one lid structure configured to overlie one or more heat sources within a multi-chip-module and at least one lid structure configured to overlie one or more temperature sensitive components within the multi-chip-module. The plurality of lid structures are configured and positioned such that each lid structure is separated from each adjacent lid structure by a corresponding thermal break. A heat spreader assembly is positioned in thermally conductive interface with the plurality of lid structures. The heat spreader assembly is configured to cover an aggregation of the plurality of lid structures. The heat spreader assembly includes a plurality of separately defined heat transfer members respectively configured and positioned to overlie the plurality of lid structures. The heat spreader assembly is configured to limit heat transfer between different heat transfer members within the heat spreader assembly.

Abstract: Method and structural embodiments are described which provide an integrated structure using polysilicon material having different optical properties in different regions of the structure.

Abstract: A signaling system includes a pre-emphasizing transmitter and an equalizing receiver coupled to one another via a high-speed signal path. The receiver measures the quality of data conveyed from the transmitter. A controller uses this information and other information to adaptively establish appropriate transmit pre-emphasis and receive equalization settings, e.g. to select the lowest power setting for which the signaling system provides some minimum communication bandwidth without exceeding a desired bit-error rate.

Abstract: An optical module includes a laser light supply system and a chip disposed within a housing. The chip includes a laser input optical port and a transmit data optical port and a receive data optical port. The optical module includes a link-fiber interface exposed at an exterior surface of the housing. The link-fiber interface includes a transmit data connector and a receive data connector. The optical module includes a polarization-maintaining optical fiber connected between a laser output optical port of the laser light supply system and the laser input optical port of the chip. The optical module includes a first non-polarization-maintaining optical fiber connected between the transmit data optical port of the chip and the transmit data connector of the link-fiber interface. The optical module includes a second non-polarization-maintaining optical fiber connected between the receive data optical port of the chip and the receive data connector of the link-fiber interface.

Abstract: Described are methods and circuits for margin testing digital receivers. These methods and circuits prevent margins from collapsing in response to erroneously received data and can thus be used in receivers that employ historical data to reduce intersymbol interference (ISI). Some embodiments detect receive errors for input data streams of unknown patterns and can thus be used for in-system margin testing. Such systems can be adapted to dynamically alter system parameters during device operation to maintain adequate margins despite fluctuations in the system noise environment due to e.g. temperature and supply-voltage changes. Also described are methods of plotting and interpreting filtered and unfiltered error data generated by the disclosed methods and circuits. Some embodiments filter error data to facilitate pattern-specific margin testing.

Abstract: Method and structural embodiments are described which provide an integrated structure using polysilicon material having different optical properties in different regions of the structure.

Abstract: A laser light generator is configured to generate one or more wavelengths of continuous wave laser light. The laser light generator is configured to collectively and simultaneously transmit each of the wavelengths of continuous wave laser light through an optical output of the laser light generator as a laser light supply. An optical fiber is connected to receive the laser light supply from the optical output of the laser light generator. An optical distribution network has an optical input connected to receive the laser light supply from the optical fiber. The optical distribution network is configured to transmit the laser light supply to each of one or more optical transceivers and/or optical sensors. The laser light generator is physically separate from each of the one or more optical transceivers and/or optical sensors.

Abstract: An interposer device includes a substrate that includes a laser source chip interface region, a silicon photonics chip interface region, an optical amplifier module interface region. A fiber-to-interposer connection region is formed within the substrate. A first group of optical conveyance structures is formed within the substrate to optically connect a laser source chip to a silicon photonics chip when the laser source chip and the silicon photonics chip are interfaced to the substrate. A second group of optical conveyance structures is formed within the substrate to optically connect the silicon photonics chip to an optical amplifier module when the silicon photonics chip and the optical amplifier module are interfaced to the substrate. A third group of optical conveyance structures is formed within the substrate to optically connect the optical amplifier module to the fiber-to-interposer connection region when the optical amplifier module is interfaced to the substrate.

Abstract: A signaling system includes a pre-emphasizing transmitter and an equalizing receiver coupled to one another via a high-speed signal path. The receiver measures the quality of data conveyed from the transmitter. A controller uses this information and other information to adaptively establish appropriate transmit pre-emphasis and receive equalization settings, e.g. to select the lowest power setting for which the signaling system provides some minimum communication bandwidth without exceeding a desired bit-error rate.

Abstract: Described are methods and circuits for margin testing digital receivers. These methods and circuits prevent margins from collapsing in response to erroneously received data, and can thus be used in receivers that employ historical data to reduce intersymbol interference (ISI). Some embodiments detect receive errors for input data streams of unknown patterns, and can thus be used for in-system margin testing. Such systems can be adapted to dynamically alter system parameters during device operation to maintain adequate margins despite fluctuations in the system noise environment due to e.g. temperature and supply-voltage changes. Also described are methods of plotting and interpreting filtered and unfiltered error data generated by the disclosed methods and circuits. Some embodiments filter error data to facilitate pattern-specific margin testing.

Abstract: A laser light generator is configured to generate one or more wavelengths of continuous wave laser light. The laser light generator is configured to collectively and simultaneously transmit each of the wavelengths of continuous wave laser light through an optical output of the laser light generator as a laser light supply. An optical fiber is connected to receive the laser light supply from the optical output of the laser light generator. An optical distribution network has an optical input connected to receive the laser light supply from the optical fiber. The optical distribution network is configured to transmit the laser light supply to each of one or more optical transceivers and/or optical sensors. The laser light generator is physically separate from each of the one or more optical transceivers and/or optical sensors.

Abstract: A photonic chip includes a substrate, an electrical isolation region formed over the substrate, and a front end of line (FEOL) region formed over the electrical isolation region. The photonic chip also includes an optical coupling region. The electrical isolation region and the FEOL region and a portion of the substrate are removed within the optical coupling region. A top surface of a the substrate within the optical coupling region includes a plurality of grooves configured to receive and align a plurality of optical fibers. The grooves are formed at a vertical depth within the substrate to provide for alignment of optical cores of the plurality of optical fibers with the FEOL region when the plurality of optical fibers are positioned within the plurality of grooves within the optical coupling region.

Abstract: An optical module includes a laser light supply system and a chip disposed within a housing. The chip includes a laser input optical port and a transmit data optical port and a receive data optical port. The optical module includes a link-fiber interface exposed at an exterior surface of the housing. The link-fiber interface includes a transmit data connector and a receive data connector. The optical module includes a polarization-maintaining optical fiber connected between a laser output optical port of the laser light supply system and the laser input optical port of the chip. The optical module includes a first non-polarization-maintaining optical fiber connected between the transmit data optical port of the chip and the transmit data connector of the link-fiber interface. The optical module includes a second non-polarization-maintaining optical fiber connected between the receive data optical port of the chip and the receive data connector of the link-fiber interface.

Abstract: A laser module includes a laser source and an optical marshalling module. The laser source is configured to generate and output a plurality of laser beams. The plurality of laser beams have different wavelengths relative to each other. The different wavelengths are distinguishable to an optical data communication system. The optical marshalling module is configured to receive the plurality of laser beams from the laser source and distribute a portion of each of the plurality of laser beams to each of a plurality of optical output ports of the optical marshalling module, such that all of the different wavelengths of the plurality of laser beams are provided to each of the plurality of optical output ports of the optical marshalling module. An optical amplifying module can be included to amplify laser light output from the optical marshalling module and provide the amplified laser light as output from the laser module.

Abstract: A photoresist material is deposited, patterned, and developed on a backside of a wafer to expose specific regions on the backside of chips for etching. These specific regions are etched to form etched regions through the backside of the chips to a specified depth within the chips. The specified depth may correspond to an etch stop material. Etching of the backside of the wafer can also be done along the chip kerf regions to reduce stress during singulation/dicing of individual chips from the wafer. Etching of the backside of the chips can be done with the chips still part of the intact wafer. Or, the wafer having the pattered and developed photoresist on its backside can be singulated/diced before etching through the backside of the individual chips. The etched region(s) formed through the backside of a chip can be used for attachment of optical component(s) to the chip.

Abstract: Method and structural embodiments are described which provide an integrated structure using polysilicon material having different optical properties in different regions of the structure.

Abstract: An integrated structure and method of formation provide a lower level waveguide having a core of a first material and a higher level waveguide having a core of a second material and a coupling region for coupling the two waveguides together. The different core materials provided different coupled waveguides having different light loss characteristics.