Core Viewpoint - Silicon photonics technology is becoming a key foundation for data center interconnects in the era of explosive computing demand driven by generative AI, with Kevin Pan leading significant advancements in China's silicon photonics industry from technology catch-up to industry leadership [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Initiatives - In 2019, a joint laboratory for silicon-based photonic testing and measurement was established with Wuhan Optics Valley, creating capabilities for 400G silicon photonics testing and complex coherent modulation verification exceeding 100 GBaud [2]. - The laboratory operates on an open collaboration principle, providing standardized and automated testing services to address common industry challenges in signal integrity, on-chip testing, and system consistency [2]. - Kevin Pan emphasized the importance of a measurable indicator system to unify R&D efficiency, product reliability, and mass production consistency into a "quality language" [2]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - The demand for ultra-high bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and high-density interconnects in data centers has been driven by the rapid evolution of large language models, with silicon photonics technology identified as crucial for overcoming interconnect bottlenecks [2][3]. - A comprehensive "from electrical to optical" verification capability was established, addressing technical challenges related to data rates exceeding 100 Gbaud and the commercialization of direct modulation technologies [3]. - Significant breakthroughs were achieved in various technology routes, including silicon photonics, InP, and thin-film lithium niobate, supporting the evolution of industry technology [3]. Group 3: Quality Assurance - Kevin Pan recognized the data throughput challenges of AI training clusters, leading to the commercialization of 800G/1.6T optical modules with stringent link quality requirements [4]. - A collaborative innovation mechanism was established among silicon photonic device suppliers, optical module manufacturers, and DSP vendors, focusing on optimizing the correlation between eye diagram quality and bit error performance [4]. - The team successfully controlled TDECQ below 2 for most manufacturers, significantly enhancing the transferability and stability of link quality [4]. Group 4: Industry Impact - Kevin Pan's innovative framework of "laboratory capability building—industry chain collaboration—quality standard establishment" is profoundly influencing the development path of China's silicon photonics industry [5]. - The quality closed-loop system established under his leadership has stabilized link bit error rates below 10^-12, reducing training interruption frequency from "multiple times daily" to "once monthly," thereby enhancing the reliability of computing infrastructure [5]. - As the industry moves towards the 200Gbd+ technology era, ongoing efforts will focus on TDECQ and bit error rate correlation, on-chip testing, and system-level verification [5].
助力中国硅光通信产业高质量发展,引领产业协同与技术突破
Jiang Nan Shi Bao·2026-02-25 11:11