Project description
Photonic integrated circuits for scalable, reliable bandwidth
The number of internet-enabled users, devices and bandwidth-hungry applications is increasing constantly. Therefore, a new, more cost-effective and energy-efficient solution – adopting the existing fibre optical network – is needed. To solve this technology barrier, photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are key. The EIC-funded PIC-FAST project aims to achieve a 10Gbps technology solution (compliant with the NG-PON2 standard) on a commercial form factor using PICs and integrating a processor and memories, thus combining the optical network unit and optical network terminal into a single product. Besides the key advantages of energy efficiency, reduced environmental footprint and more available bandwidth to end-users, this approach will also open the path to the next-generation optical technologies such as 25Gbps and 50Gbps.
Objective
The number of internet-enabled users, devices and bandwidth-hungry applications is increasing constantly, and network operators are struggling to meet the demand for more bandwidth. The problem is most acutely felt by end users of fixed broadband connections, typically served by passive optical networks (PONs): speed throttling and connection drop-outs are the most-reported issues.
Telecom operators are typically too margin-stressed to invest in entirely new infrastructure and have to maximise returns on existing PONs. Developments to deliver higher transfer rates currently focus on discrete optical components, which have reached their limits in terms of scalability, performance, footprint, power consumption, reliability and cost. The integration of optical components into Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) offers a new technology trajectory that will overcome these limitations, but the increasing component density this entails has challenges.
Through a string of successful R&D projects conducted in world class facilities by an expert team, PICadvanced has laid the foundation for a novel PIC design serving as a platform for an entirely novel generation of optical transceivers, specifically Optical Network Units (ONUs) deployed at end user premises. This overcomes the current limit of 2.5Gbps and offers higher bandwidths with minimal upgrades of end user hardware while fulfilling the strict requirements of the telecom sector regarding footprint, power consumption and cost. Our demonstrator will achieve 10Gbps, open a technology roadmap towards 25Gbps/50Gbps and enable the telecom sector to achieve a better quality of service, higher customer satisfaction and more efficient utilisation of existing fibreoptic network assets. We will also demonstrate how this new generation of fast broadband technology can be delivered to end users with a lower environmental footprint by reducing raw material input, 40% lower hardware costs and 20% lower energy consumption.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-EIC-ACC-BF - HORIZON EIC Accelerator Blended Finance
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2023-ACCELERATOR-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3830 352 Ilhavo
Portugal
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.