9/23/2024，Recently, the PMD working group of International Photonics & Electronics Committee (IPEC) Technical Committee initiated the 1.6T optical module standards project. Jointly led by Meituan, China Telecom, and Huawei, the standards project has also gained the support of IPEC members such as Kuaishou, China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), H3C, FiberHome, FOC, Source Photonics, HG Genuine, Hisense Broadband, Accelink, SiFotonics, YOFC, InSiGa, and Sitrus Technology. Jingdong has also been invited to participate in the discussion and contribution of this project.
Amid the precipitous rise of AI cluster applications, data centers are in urgent need of high-speed optical modules. According to LightCounting, AI cluster applications have grown rapidly since 2024. It is estimated by 2028, 38% of all optical modules will be used in AI clusters. Among the shipped high-speed optical modules, 1.6T optical modules are expected to go into commercial use in 2027, after which their sales volume will gradually increase.
To meet market requirements and drive the evolution of the high-speed optical module industry, IPEC 1.6T optical module standards focus on the short-distance direct detection solution based on the current technology development trend in the optical module industry. The GEN1 standard focuses on 200G/lane, which, in the future, will evolve to 400G/lane for the GEN2 standard. The 1.6T GEN1 standard discussion covers 50 m and 100 m multi-mode VCSEL, while 500 m and 2 km will be discussed based on the PSM8 and 2 x FR4 solutions. The discussion and release of the standards will be carried out as GEN1 is upgraded to GEN2. The standard was officially initiated in July 2024. The optical module specifications for GEN1 scenarios are expected to be released at the end of 2025, and those for GEN2 scenarios at the end of 2027.
In addition to initiating the 1.6T standard project, IPEC also plans to demonstrate 1.6T optical modules and related chips at CIOE 2024 (Shenzhen) in September, with the theme of 1.6T high-speed interconnection. Industry experts are cordially invited to the event, and participate in the discussion and formulation of 1.6T standards.
About IPEC
IPEC (www.ipec-std.org) is an international standards organization that is committed to developing open optoelectronic standards and delivering strategic roadmap reports. IPEC focuses on standardizing solutions in optical chips, optical/electrical components, and optical modules. Markets addressed by IPEC include 5G, IoT and AI.
Registered in Switzerland, IPEC is open to any interested party who wishes to join. All IPEC members have the opportunity to participate in the formulation of all IPEC standards in a fair and transparent manner.
