Parallel optical interconnect modules with multifiber connectors

The design, realisation, and characterisation of a multichannel DC-coupled parallel optical interconnection link with connectorized (pigtails) transmitter and receiver modules is reported. The link is electrically compatible to ECL voltage level, the aggregate data throughput is up to 12 Gbit/s (1 Gbit/s per channel). The transmitter modules consist of arrays of laser diodes with low threshold currents and 50 Ω matching networks, the receiver modules of photodiode arrays and amplifier arrays. All the opto-electronic and electronic components are fabricated as arrays with a pitch of 250 μm