CD laser optical data links for workstations and midrange computers

Abstract

The Optical Link Card (OLC) is a high speed fiber optic data link developed for low cost computer interconnect applications. Several versions of this OLC family are now in volume production. They incorporate a short-wavelength, CD-type laser source, high-density surface mount (SMT) packaging, and a novel technique to comply with worldwide laser safety regulations. The current cards, operating at 220 Mb/s and 266 Mb/s over 2 km of multimode optical fiber, provide compatibility with the emerging ANSI standard called Fiber Channel. Future extensions, especially to higher data rates, are being developed to meet the computer user's growing demand for higher bandwidth networking solutions.<>