Periodic Reporting for period 1 - qc-rosa (a Quasi Coherent Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly technology for improved access networks)
Reporting period: 2023-08-01 to 2024-07-31
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.
Bifrost initially developed a bulk-optic version of its QC-ROSA and plans to take this device through qualification and use it to demonstrate its Quasi-Coherent technology to customers. 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 identified a significant market potential for its product/service. Recent market trends indicate a growing demand for solutions like Bifrost’s.
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.
Bifrost initially developed a bulk-optic version of its QC-ROSA and plans to take this device through qualification and use it to demonstrate its Quasi-Coherent technology to customers. 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 identified a significant market potential for its product/service. Recent market trends indicate a growing demand for solutions like Bifrost’s.
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.
Certain issues with the housing have been mitigated by starting up development with two additional housing vendors. This will, however, delay the ROSA Beta prototyping toward the end of 2024.
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.
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.
Certain issues with the housing have been mitigated by starting up development with two additional housing vendors. This will, however, delay the ROSA Beta prototyping toward the end of 2024.
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.
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
ASIC and PIC: 15 km at 50 Gbps (to be validated)
These improvements represent a substantial leap in the speed-reach relationship, surpassing our initial project goals.
Traditionally, the industry relies on separate solutions for transmitters and receivers. Bifrost is pioneering a fully integrated and tunable Transmitter Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly (TROSA), which consolidates the entire optical frontend into a single unit. This integration simplifies the technology and offers a more efficient solution for our customers.
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.
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.
Bifrost Communications secured an equity round in May 2024, raising DKK 24M/EUR 3,2M. This provides for a runway through June 2025. Remaining Blended Financing of DKK36M/EUR4,8M requires new Independent Investors. Finding a lead investors will be focus staring Early 2025.
IP: While no new Patents have thus far been filed, there are 3 new patent applications under preparation and expected to be filed during 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.
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
ASIC and PIC: 15 km at 50 Gbps (to be validated)
These improvements represent a substantial leap in the speed-reach relationship, surpassing our initial project goals.
Traditionally, the industry relies on separate solutions for transmitters and receivers. Bifrost is pioneering a fully integrated and tunable Transmitter Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly (TROSA), which consolidates the entire optical frontend into a single unit. This integration simplifies the technology and offers a more efficient solution for our customers.
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.
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.
Bifrost Communications secured an equity round in May 2024, raising DKK 24M/EUR 3,2M. This provides for a runway through June 2025. Remaining Blended Financing of DKK36M/EUR4,8M requires new Independent Investors. Finding a lead investors will be focus staring Early 2025.
IP: While no new Patents have thus far been filed, there are 3 new patent applications under preparation and expected to be filed during 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.