HyperLight has added a 145 GHz packaged intensity modulator (IM) to its packaged modulator lineup, targeting development work for 448 Gbps per lane intensity-modulated-direct-detection (IMDD), 260 GBaud coherent links, and broadband RF photonics systems.
The 145 GHz Packaged Intensity Modulator is specified at >145 GHz modulation bandwidth and uses a 0.8 mm RF connector interface. HyperLight describes the device as aimed at ultra-wide modulation bandwidth, high signal fidelity, and stable operation control, with a compact packaged form factor intended to be practical to deploy in lab and prototyping environments.
HyperLight is offering the packaged IM across O-, C-, and L-band wavelength configurations, and also lists a 1 µm-band option. The device integrates polarization-maintaining (PM) optical fiber and is designed to deliver a high extinction ratio, which is directly tied to modulation contrast and measurement clarity during system validation and test.
The photonic integrated circuits inside the packaged IM are described as Telcordia qualified thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) PICs. HyperLight also says the 145 GHz IM is engineered for high optical and RF power handling.
For data center engineers watching the optics roadmap, the key detail is the bandwidth number: moving past 130 GHz-class intensity modulators can open headroom for higher symbol rates in DCI testbeds and for evaluating next-generation optical engine concepts. But >145 GHz packaged parts also tend to put pressure on RF interconnect design choices, because connector and launch performance become part of the signal-integrity budget at these frequencies.
“The industry is pushing beyond 100 GHz, and customers need packaged modulators they can trust at those bandwidths,” said Mian Zhang, CEO of HyperLight. “Our packaged modulator products give our customers early and reliable access to next-generation high bandwidth photonics capabilities.”
HyperLight says the 145 GHz Packaged IMs are available now in O-, C-, and L-band configurations, with the 1 µm-band configuration available for pre-order.
Source: HyperLight
