PCIe 7.0 over Optics Demo

This presentation by Hadrien Louchet provides valuable insights into the advancements in PCIe® technology and the innovative test solutions developed by Keysight Technologies. It reinforces the company's commitment to driving progress in the datacom industry and supporting the evolving needs of high-performance computing and AI applications.

In this video, Hadrien Louchet, a planner with Keysight Technologies, introduces a demonstration of PCIe 7.0 over optics. Louchet emphasizes the rapid growth of high-performance computing clusters, particularly within the AI ecosystem, and the corresponding need to extend PCIe connections in a power-efficient manner. Recognizing this challenge, the PCI-SIG has established a new optical workgroup, with Keysight actively participating in this industry-wide effort.

Louchet highlights the feasibility of achieving low-latency, low-power PCIe 7.0 links over optical fibers using linear drive optics technology. This technology is leveraged in the demo to showcase its potential in extending PCIe connections. The optical engine used in the demonstration is the Eoptolink 800G DR8 module, which consumes approximately 40% less power compared to its counterparts. Specifically, it requires only 8 picojoules per transported bit.

The demo setup includes the Keysight M8040A Bit Error Ratio Tester (BERT). These instruments emulate the next generation of PCIe transmitter and receiver designs capable of handling linear drive optics. Louchet underscores the importance of high signal integrity and enhanced equalization capabilities for this technology. The BERT platform is also capable of validating the correct functioning of PCIe Link Training and Status State Machine (LTSSM) over both copper cables and optical links.

A key part of the demonstration involves analyzing the optical signal using the N1092A DCA-M sampling oscilloscope, which offers up to 45 GHz of optical bandwidth. This analysis is crucial for measuring parameters such as TDECQ, OMA, and extinction ratio. Louchet explains that these measurements are essential during the manufacturing process to validate the optical engine before its integration onto a PCIe card.

Throughout the video, Louchet provides a detailed explanation of the setup and the significance of each measurement. On the left side of the demo screen, viewers can observe the eye diagram of the electrical signal at the receiver side. This visual representation helps in understanding the signal integrity and performance of the optical link.

The demonstration not only highlights the technical feasibility of PCIe 7.0 over optics but also underscores the power efficiency and low-latency benefits of this approach. By leveraging linear drive optics technology, Keysight Technologies aims to address the growing demands of high-performance computing clusters and the AI ecosystem.