First-to-market hybrid optical-electrical interconnects for co-packaged optics

Molex now offers its first-to-market, pluggable module solution for CPO. Its new ELSIS is a complete system of cage, optical and electrical connectors with a pluggable module that employs proven technology to speed the development of hyperscale data centres.

It is currently sampling the ELSIS hybrid optical electrical connector and cage system, providing engineers a head start on development and testing – well ahead of industry adoption of CPO. Supporting design and development materials for the completely pluggable module system, including 3D models, technical drawings and detailed specifications, are available now.

CPO is a next-generation technology that moves optical connections from a front panel to within the host system – right next to high-speed ICs.

“From high-speed networking chips to graphics processing units (GPUs) and AI engines, the demand for I/O bandwidth continues to escalate,” said Tom Marrapode, director of advanced technology development, Molex Optical Solutions. “By placing the optics closer to these ASICs, CPO will address the growing complexities associated with high-speed electrical traces, including signal integrity, density and power consumption.”

ELSIS also provide advantages as a comprehensive, all-in-one solution. External laser source systems incorporate a complex mix of optical and electrical connectors, pluggable modules, internal host system fibre optic cabling and cages. By creating all these elements in-house, the company has created a complete, fully-engineered system that prevents the lengthy design cycles required to combine these components. The result is a highly interoperable, high-performance system that provides designers and end-users with a plug-and-play experience.