Optical multi-token-ring networking using smart pixels with field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)

This research explores architectures and design principles for monolithic optoelectronic integrated circuits (OEICs) through the implementation of an optical multi-token-ring network testbed system. Monolithic smart pixel CMOS OEICs are of paramount importance to high performance networks, communication switches, computer interfaces, and parallel signal processing for demanding future multimedia applications. The general testbed system is called Reconfigurable Translucent Smart Pixel Array (R-Transpar) and includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a transimpedance receiver array, and an optoelectronic very large-scale integrated (OE-VLSI) smart pixel array. The FPGA is an Altera FLEX10K100E chip that performs logic functions and receives inputs from the transimpedance receiver array. A monolithic (OE-VLSI) smart pixel device containing an array of 4 x 4 vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) spatially interlaced with an array of 4 x 4 metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) detectors connects to these devices and performs optical input-output functions. These components are mounted on a printed circuit board for testing and evaluation of integrated monolithic OEIC designs and various optical interconnection techniques. The system moves information between nodes by transferring 3-D optical packets in free space or through fiber image guides. The R-Transpar system is reconfigurable to test different network protocols and signal processing functions. In its operation as a 3-D multi-token-ring network, we use a specific version of the system called Transpar-Token-Ring (Transpar-TR) that uses novel time-division multiplexed (TDM) network node addressing to enhance channel utilization and throughput. Host computers interface with the system via a high-speed digital I/O board that sends commands for networking and application algorithm operations. We describe the system operation and experimental results in detail.