• Technical Conference:  15 – 19 March 2026
  • Exhibition: 17 – 19 March 2026
  • Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, California, USA

Thursday, 03 April, 12:45 – 13:45

Theater II

Session Description
Optical interconnects have fallen short of meeting the growing AI applications space's cost/power/bandwidth needs. This panel will provide opposing views on the solutions that have the potential to meet AI application requirements. Can linear-drive pluggable optics (LPO) systems with the lowest cost and power demonstrate interoperability and show they have a path to 200G? Are half-linear systems the best middle ground, or will fully retimed modules reduce DSP power and enable the broad market volumes needed for low-cost modules? Will VCSELs be the lowest-cost optical source, or will SiPh technology finally show that it is the solution that can move the industry forward? Optical module makers must place the right bets on their next-generation modules. This panel will provide the audience with information critical for decision-making related to silicon developments, laser types, and module integration. 

Organized by: 

 

Moderator

Tom Issenhuth, OIF MA&E Committee Co-Chair PLL, Huawei, United States

Panelists

Chris Cole, Coherent, United States

Jeff Hutchins, OIF Physical & Link Layer Working Group Energy Efficient Interfaces Vice Chair, United States

Tom Palkert, OIF Editor, MACOM, United States

Ashkan Seyedi, NVIDIA, United States