Photonikoptische Verbindungstechnik. Teilvorhaben: Prozessorverbindungen ueber optische Backplane-Netze Abschlussbericht

The target of the project was to investigate high bitrate (#>=#1 Gbit/s) optical interconnection networks for future high performance signal processor systems. The programme covered board-to-board interconnections and interconnections between several boards via an optical star network or an optical matrix switch. Environmental tests and system investigations should be performed using the realised demonstrators. At the beginning planar as well as fiber-optical backplane networks were considered. The realised fiberoptical demonstrators fulfilled all system demands. The constructions, however, were bulky and expensive. A planar backplane avoids these drawbacks, however, suitable low loss waveguides were lacking. In the course of the project we succeeded in reducing the attenuation of multimode polymeric stripe waveguides to the required value of 1 to 3 dB/m. With the new technology large (19'') and complex waveguide structures can be manufactured as necessary for backplane networks. For the transition from the board to the backplane we have developed a compact and connector-free solution with free space transmission and 90 beam deflection within the backplane. The free space coupling provides easy to control positioning tolerances of #+-#500 #mu#m in lateral and >20.000 #mu#m in axial direction. For board-to-board demonstrators we used at first plastic optical fibers integrated into the backplane and later on polymeric stripe waveguides, too. We have successfully demonstrated the board-to-board concept as a snap-on front-plane and as a rear-plane using standard backplane connectors. The system marigin was as high as 10 dB. Investigations concerning the feasibility of switched networks showed that only electro-optical switch matrices are useful. Using developed components and demonstrators first aging and environmental tests (temperature, humidity, dust, vibrations) have been successfully performed. In summary we have reached all relevant project goals. Decisive breakthroughs have been achieved for board-to-board coupling and in the reduction of the attenuation of polymeric stripe waveguides. Thus the feasibility of planar optical backplane networks could be demonstrated. (orig.)Available from TIB Hannover: DtF QN1(67,13) / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekSIGLEBundesministerium fuer Bildung, Wissenschaft, Forschung und Technologie, Bonn (Germany)DEGerman