a Quasi Coherent Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly technology for improved access networks

Project Information

qc-rosa

Grant agreement ID: 190184742

DOI

10.3030/190184742

Project closed

EC signature date 14 July 2023

Start date 1 August 2023

End date 31 July 2025

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 3 568 952,50

EU contribution

€ 2 498 266,70

Coordinated by

BIFROST COMMUNICATIONS APS
Denmark

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - qc-rosa (a Quasi Coherent Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly technology for improved access networks)

Reporting period: 2024-08-01 to 2025-07-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The Internet industry is growing enormously, already accounting for more than 2% of global emissions. Current infrastructures and technologies for access networks cannot meet the growing demand without high energy and environmental costs. With this project, Bifrost aims to deliver a fully developed, tested, and qualified breakthrough Receiver Optical Sub Assembly (ROSA) based on proprietary and patented Quasi Coherent technology, which increases signal detection by more than 10 times. Our technology can be seamlessly integrated into any existing transceiver on the market. Applied to the 5G fronthaul and ring architectures, it will significantly increase the infrastructure’s reach from a maximum of 10 km up to 20 km. In fixed networks, it will enable meeting all classes of the new NG-PON2 standard, increasing reach, bandwidth, and number of users. This will have a major impact on Internet networks, reducing the need for costly and high energy-consuming central offices by up to 90%.
On a global scale, our technology could reduce the energy consumption of the Access Network by 50%, translating into a 30% energy reduction in the Internet industry. Bifrost Communications has developed a groundbreaking technology called QC-ROSA (Quasi-Coherent Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly). This technology significantly enhances transceiver sensitivity in the Access Network, setting Bifrost apart in the market.

Utilizing the innovative Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) fabrication method, Bifrost can produce complex optical structures at a low cost. Bifrost is also advancing Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and a new fully integrated and tunable transmitter receiver optical sub-assembly (TROSA).
Bifrost’s product portfolio aims to address the growing demands of the fiber-optic transceiver market, offering cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions. The company’s strategy includes direct sales and licensing, providing multiple revenue streams and mitigating risks. With a strong leadership team and strategic partnerships, Bifrost is poised to make a significant impact on the industry.

Bifrost has developed a complete transceiver in the desirable form factor, SFP. The new product is a DWDM SFP28 with reach at 40 km, which is the longest reach of any similar transceiver in the market place.

Bifrost has identified a significant market potential for its product/service. Recent market trends indicate a growing demand for solutions like Bifrost’s.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

QC-ROSA
The first prototypes have been received and are tested. The results show somewhat lower performance than expected. Nevertheless, we achieved a reach of 30 km at 25 Gbps, which is beyond the goal set initially in the project.
Housing issues and assembly issues prevent the use of Bulk ROSA in a product

Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) based ROSA
The first prototypes have been received. The testing shows significant improvement in performance over that of the bulk-ROSA. This is due to the expected much improved optical alignment within the PIC and the fact that we can easily apply a balanced receiver.
With PIC technology, we believe we can design and produce a combination device that has both the transmitter and the receiver in the same module – a so-called Transmitter Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly (TROSA). This is a much more attractive unit for the customer, as it provides the entire optical frontend. The combined unit will be built into the same hermetically sealed housing, which will save cost on housing compared to using two housings. We have submitted PIC designs on additional multi-project-runs with AMF foundry, and we have also submitted a full wafer run, which will allow us to investigate many different configurations to select the best-suited design for a product.

ASIC Development
Our ASIC team has developed multiple configurations for 10, 25, and 50 Gbps. The latest results prove that we can reach 40 km at 25 Gbps. This can potentially be of interest to NG-PON2 as an upgrade path from 10 Gbps. It also has great potential for the DWDM networks used by many smaller/medium operators as well as cable operators, and we are in dialogue with several transceiver vendors for this application.
With our design of a 50 Gbps ASIC and PIC, we expect to be able to demonstrate a reach of 15 km in the C-band. This fulfills the strictest requirement set in the MOPA specification, and at this time it appears that it can only be achieved by Bifrost technology.

Transceiver Development
A QSPF demo was developed showing full wavelength tunability, integrated transmitter and receiver in same PIC TROSA.

A SFP prototype was developed - this DWDM SFP28 can reach 40 km. The plan is to start production and qualification after the project.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Our project has achieved significant advancements in three key areas: reach, performance, and technology integration.

The current market solutions typically offer a reach of up to 10 km at 25 Gbps. In contrast, Bifrost’s solutions have extended this reach significantly:
QC-ROSA: 30 km at 25 Gbps
ASIC: 40 km at 25 Gbps

These improvements represent a substantial leap in the speed-reach relationship, surpassing our initial project goals.

Complete the technical development of the QC-ROSA, including the integration of PIC technology and optimization of ASICs for different use cases. Address issues with housing and polarization variation in prototypes from different vendors.

Demonstration and Validation demonstration projects with potential customers will take place to validate the technology in real-world scenarios. This includes performance testing, environmental testing, and customer feedback integration.

A first product is being planned for pilot production and qualification. The product is the only DWDM SFP28 capable of reaching 40km.

The company’s market entry strategy involves finalizing the technical developments of the product and qualify the product from Pilot production at well established Contract Manufacturer. We have engaged with several leading market stakeholders who have shown significant interest in the technology. The company plans to demonstrate the product with potential customers such as Nokia, Ericsson, Verizon, Orange, and Fonex. Qualification of the product involves performing qualification tests with these customers.

At the end of the project, Bifrost is initiating a investment round to finance the Pilot productin and qualification of its SFP28. The round already has commitment from current investors and may make use of the blneded finance available from the EIC Fund.
IP: 2 new patent applications has been filed as a result of the project.

Bifrost Communications executives are highly active in the forums for standardization. This involves the participation in meeting for NG-PON2, FSAN, and latest MOPA. This effort is highly important as it serves to ensure our product is compliant with existing and future standards in the industry.

International Expansion
As the product becomes qualified and commercial contracts emerges, we expect to set up sales and customer service centers in other countries in Europe and North America.