Silith, a leader in photonic technology, captured attention at the 2024 Optical Fiber Communication Conference (OFC) with a series of groundbreaking demonstrations set to transform the future of high-speed optical communication. The company unveiled cutting-edge advancements in laser efficiency, terabit-scale transmission, and coherent optical solutions, attracting a steady stream of industry leaders and experts to its booth. These innovations promise to push the boundaries of performance and efficiency in optical networks, positioning Silith at the forefront of the next generation of communication technologies.
800G DR8 Live Demo: A Leap in Efficiency and Cost Reduction
Silith's 800G DR8 live demo was a highlight at OFC 2024, demonstrating a revolutionary leap in cost down with ultra-low optical loss. While the industry typically uses one laser to drive two optical channels, Silith has shattered this norm. In 2024, Silith unveiled a product that uses a single laser to power eight channels—quadrupling the industry standard. This innovation slashes power consumption by over 30% and reduces the number of lenses required for coupling, significantly cutting packaging complexity and manufacturing costs. Attendees were impressed by the design's potential to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient, high-density optical modules for data centers and AI-driven networks.
Figure 1. Silith’s Live Demo on 800G DR8 Transceiver Powered by Single Laser Attracts Significant Interest
1.6T DR8: Raising the Bar for 200G/Lane Performance
Silith's 1.6T DR8 module has redefined the standard for 200G-per-lane performance, delivering the industry's best eye diagram—a critical metric for signal integrity in ultra-high-speed applications. The live demo showcased remarkable results: Silith PIC achieved a TDECQ of 1.54 dB and an Outer ER of 5 dB without any pre-emphasize, setting a new industry benchmark. Engineers praised its robust performance under rigorous testing, highlighting its readiness to meet the escalating bandwidth demands of hyperscale data centers and 5G infrastructure. With its ability to maintain stability at unprecedented speeds, the 1.6T DR8 module is poised to become the frontrunner for next-generation networking hardware..
Figure 2. New Benchmark on 200G/lane by Silith 1.6T DR8 Chip Eye Diagram
400G ZR+ Coherent Chip: A Game-Changer for DCI Networks
In a dynamic live demonstration, Silith flexed its expertise in coherent optics with its ICTR coherent optical chip, tailored for 400G ZR+ applications. Operating at 64 GBaud 16QAM modulation, the chip achieved an exceptional error vector magnitude (EVM) of 8.35% rms and dynamic losses below 25 dB—outperforming competing solutions showcased at OFC. These metrics, critical for DCI networks, underscore Silith’s capacity to deliver high-fidelity transmission with minimal noise. The demo attracted top-tier module manufacturers and cloud providers, sparking discussions around partnerships and integration into future coherent systems.
Figure 3. Silith’s Demonstrations Sparked Vigorous Dialogue among Attendees at OFC 2024
Industry Reactions and Future Implications
Silith’s demonstrations sparked vigorous dialogue among attendees, with analysts noting the company’s potential to disrupt optical packaging economics and coherent technology benchmarks. “Silith isn’t just iterating—they’re redefining what’s possible in photonics,” remarked a lead engineer from a global cloud provider. “Their approach to laser efficiency and coherent performance could fast-track cost-effective scaling for AI and quantum networks.”
As OFC 2024 closes, Silith’s breakthroughs position the company as a key enabler of tomorrow’s optical infrastructure—with competitors racing to catch up.
OFC 2024, held in San Diego is the premier global event for optical networking, drawing over 15,000 professionals to explore advancements in fiber optics, photonics, and high-speed communication technologies.
