In today’s network landscape, data centers are one of the fastest growing segments. Networked computer cloud services – accessible from anywhere in the world with an internet connection – are fast becoming the data storage norm for both business and personal applications. This rapid rise of the cloud and the high-speed computing required to support it demands a constant improvement in speed, total capacity, efficiency, and cost-per-bit. While 10Gb/s datalinks were once considered to be the epitome of capability, today almost all new data centers and data center expansions look to the 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s (and soon 200Gb/s and 400Gb/s) formats to keep up with demand. As serial data rates increase in data centers, the ability of the copper-based cables connecting the vast majority of the racks’ equipment is being exceeded. A 4x25Gb/s 100Gb/s link cannot use traditional copper cables once the length exceeds a few meters. Active optical cables are transforming the data center interconnect landscape. AOCs look and behave just like copper cables, but can extend up to 100 meters (multimode) and are substantially lighter and smaller. OEIC’s cable offers cost-effective 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s AOCs to enable today’s modern data center interconnect.

Active optical cable (AOC) is a high-performance communication cable used for short-range multi-lane communication and interconnected applications.

What is an Active Optical Cable (AOC)?

An Active Optical Cable transforms the data signal into a laser light, which is communicated over an optical fiber. The conversion of electronic data is done by an optical transceiver connector. This allows for the fiber to disconnect from the transceiver. At the transceiver’s end, Active Optical Cables bond the fiber connection, which in turn creates a cable assembly similar to a DAC cable.

Active optical cable have four functional parts.

• High-density QSFP+ connector allows for the cable to be plugged into a router or switch.

• 4- Channel full duplex active optical cable transceiver is embedded inside the shell and is responsible for electrical- optical conversions, making AOCs a lower cost solution in comparison to other transceivers.

• MPO optical connector is a permanent attachment to the shell and fiber, protecting the interface from the end users (consumers) and environmental contamination.

• Flexible ribbon optical fiber cable.

Summary of AOC Advantages

1. The main advantages of using AOCs over other communication cables solutions are:

   • Improved performance

   • Lighter weight

   • Reduced bulkiness: Thinner and longer reach

   • Higher bandwidth

   • Immune to EMI

   • Improved exibility

   • Lower power consumption < 1.5W

   • Low interconnection loss

   • Lower Bit Error Rate (BER)

2. Mature COB technology

   • Low Cost

   • High capacity, timely delivery