Photonic - Electronic platform for next generation optical transport network

The introduction of advanced optical modulation formats for coherent data transmission and multilevel signalling enlarges the transmission capacities but also requires more complex opto-electronic components. The need for cost efficient compact solutions is the main driver for photonic-electronic integration technologies. In the framework of the European Project GALACTICO a new mixed technology platform for advanced transceivers is being developed. The technology relies on the cost efficient Germanium-on-Silicon technology, and SiGe BiCMOS technology together with GaAs technology [1]. A selection of the best suited materials and solutions ready to deploy is made to provide the performance required for transmitter and receiver of next generation networks operated at capacities beyond Terabit/s.

1. INTRODUCTION

The emerging and growing deployment of new applications, such as video on demand, mobile network applications and others increase the demand for transmission bandwidth as well as for faster interconnects in data centres. Recently introduced coherent data transmission schemes will employ narrower frequency spacing and higher cardinality, i.e. higher bit per symbol coding. This will be achieved by using new modulation formats such as multilevel modulation or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. Investigations on flexible frequency spacing and flex-rate concepts continue this evolution path. However, a straight forward extension of existing concepts drives the infrastructure into limitations w. r. t. components footprint, -heat dissipation and power consumption. Internet nodes are currently responsible for 3% of the world-wide energy consumption [2] and a continued increase will become problematic in the future. Technical solutions will rely on further miniaturisation based on higher integration of opto-electronic transmitters and receivers.