Periodic Reporting for period 1 - TeraGEAR (Agile Ultra-Scale Communications Using Optical Arbitrary Waveform Generation and Measurement)
Période du rapport: 2024-01-01 au 2025-06-30
The TeraGEAR project addressed the pressing need for high-bandwidth next-generation optical communication and signal-processing technologies to sustain the explosive growth in data traffic driven by cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of things (IoT), and 5G/6G networks. As optical transceivers evolve towards symbol rates of 200 GBd and beyond, conventional test and measurement (T&M) equipment and static network architectures face critical limitations in bandwidth and throughput, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. The project targeted two core challenges: (1) The need for ultra-broadband T&M solutions capable of reliably characterizing cutting-edge optical transceivers, and (2) the demand for fully agile, software-defined optical networks that can dynamically allocate physical-layer resources. TeraGEAR tackled these challenges by exploring the commercial potential of optical arbitrary-waveform generation and measurement (OAWG/OAWM) concepts and of associated photonic-electronic digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters (PE-DAC, PE-ADC). These concepts are highly scalable and allow the use of parallel arrays of moderate-speed electronics for ultra-broadband signal generation and measurement at unprecedented performance and greatly reduced cost. By bridging the gap between groundbreaking ERC-funded research in the underlying Consolidator Grant TeraSHAPE (# 773248) on the one hand and real-world applications with commercial potential on the other hand, the TeraGEAR project provided the opportunity to evaluate potential business opportunities and to develop a business plan. As a result of the activities within the TeraGEAR project, researchers at KIT incorporated a start-up venture (Teragear GmbH, https://teragear.ai(s’ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)) which aims at bringing OAWG, OAWM, PE-DAC, and PE-ADC systems to the market.
The TeraGEAR activities can be subdivided into two parts: Testing, evaluation, and verification of optical waveform synthesis and optical-waveform analysis (OWS, OWA) concepts with lead users, as well as the development, preparation, and partially also the implementation of a commercialization strategy, aiming at a new start-up company as a vehicle for efficient technology transfer. With respect to testing, evaluation, and verification in cooperation with lead users, we conducted proof-of-concept experiments demonstrating, e.g. the generation and measurement of quadrature-amplitude modulation (QAM) data signals with symbol rates of up to 400 GBd using optical arbitrary waveform generation and measurement (OAWG, OAWM) techniques. These results have been published in a series of journal articles and presented at various internationally leading conferences in the field of optical communications, which has triggered significant interest by lead users. In cooperation with an internationally leading research group at Nokia Bell Labs, we further investigated the transmission of high-symbol-rate signals over trans-oceanic distances. Moreover, we explored the generation and measurement of high-bandwidth electrical signals through photonic-electronic down- or up-conversion, building the base of photonic-electronic digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters (PE-DAC, PE-ADC). The results regarding the development, preparation, and implementation of commercialization strategies are described in more detail in the next section, “Results beyond the state of the arts”.
The technology demonstrated in TeraGEAR offers potential for disruptive improvements in two fields of high technical relevance: Ultra-high-speed test- and measurement (T&M) equipment, which is key for testing and characterizing next-generation high-speed optical transmitters and receivers, as well as agile, software-defined transceivers for future elastic optical networks. To draft a commercialization strategy, we analyzed the addressable market and the competitive landscape by talking to industry experts and established companies in the field of optical communications and T&M, such as Keysight Technologies, Tektronix, Multilane, Rohde & Schwarz, Intel/Altera, AMD, and Ciena. While we see an immediate business opportunity in ultra-high-speed T&M equipment, the direct application OAWG/OAWM concepts in optical communication systems still requires further research and development, particularly to reduce system complexity and cost, power consumption, and to enhance long-term reliability and interoperability. In the context of optical T&M, we have identified key competitive advantages of our solutions and drafted a business plan that includes a minimum viable product (MVP), as well as considerations regarding the associated supply chains. This analysis has served as the base for the incorporation of the start-up company Teragear GmbH (https://teragear.ai(s’ouvre dans une nouvelle fenêtre)). Teragear GmbH is currently discussing the details of an IP contract with KIT that secures the access to key patents and the associated know-how developed at KIT. To ensure further uptake and long-term success, several key enablers have been identified: continued research into packaging and integration of photonic and RF components, targeted proof-of-concept demonstrations with industrial partners, access to venture capital and innovation funding, and protection of key technologies via a focused IPR strategy. Moreover, future steps may include the engagement with standardization bodies regarding the application of OAWG and OAWM concepts in optical communication systems, and the evaluation of the application for THz communications.