Abstract

The special circumstances associated with the optical interconnect problem are outlined, and the differences between this type of problem and the long distance communication problem are reviewed. The drive power required of an interconnect is one parameter that influences the choice of technology used. Optical interconnects can compete favorably with electrical interconnects in those problems where a terminating impedance would be required as part of the electrical solution. Several switch architectures that can be used are briefly reviewed. The proper degree of parallelism to be used in an optical interconnect is considered from the point of view of minimizing cost, and the impact of switch cost on the optimum solution is explored.

© 1989 Optical Society of America