Energy-Efficient Technologies and Architectures for Next-Generation Optical Interconnection Networks

Abstract

High-speed interconnects play a critical role in enabling scalable computing systems. In this talk, we focus on short-distance communications, especially on-package and on-chip interconnection networks, where optical technologies are promising alternatives to electrical ones. We will first introduce several interconnect technologies: 1. conventional electrical links; 2. silicon nanophotonic links using indirect-modulated laser sources coupled with wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), 3. optical links based on direct-modulated optical device such as vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) or transistor laser (TL). We then compare and contrast these technologies. Finally, we present a new VCSEL-based optical interconnect architecture called Rome, which is considerably more energy efficient than various interconnection networks based on rival high-speed link technologies.

Bio

Yanjing Li is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Chicago. Her research interests include robust system design, computer architecture, and emerging technologies. Prior to joining University of Chicago in 2015, she was a senior research scientist at Intel Labs from 2013-2015. Professor Li received her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University in 2013, a M.S. in Mathematical Sciences (with honors) and a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering (with a double major in Computer Science) from Carnegie Mellon University. Professor Li has won various awards including the NSF/SRC Energy-Efficient Computing: from Devices to Architectures (E2CDA) program, Intel Labs Gordy Academy Award (highest honor in Intel Labs), multiple Intel recognition awards, Outstanding Dissertation Award (European Design and Automation Association), Best Student Paper Award (IEEE International Test Conference), and the Best Paper Award (IEEE VLSI Test Symposium).