Narrow-Pitch MT Ferrule (MTDS®): Achieving High-Density Data Communication with Optical Connector Technology

Introduction: Technological innovation supporting "data center optical connectivity" in the AI era

AI技術の急速な進展に伴い、「データセンター」におけるデータ通信量は飛躍的に増加しています。特に、「CPO（Co-Packaged Optics）」や「OBO（On-Board Optics）」といった新技術（基板実装光モジュール）が登場し、「データセンター」内の「光接続」には、これまで以上の高密度化が求められています。
▶参考リンク：記事一覧／「光電融合技術の実現へ！光がつなぐ未来」

The key to resolving this issue is the "Narrow-Pitch MT Ferrule."

As data centers evolve, there are demands for higher density optical connection technology due to the following technical factors.

First, AI and big data processing require huge amounts of data communication, and high-speed, high-density "optical connections" are essential to handle this. In addition, the emergence of CPO/OBO has created a demand for efficient wiring within the limited space of optical devices.
Furthermore, improving energy efficiency is also an important issue, and high-density "optical connections" will help to achieve this. Specifically, compared to conventional electrical wiring, "optical wiring" consumes less power per unit of data, which contributes to improving the energy efficiency of the entire "data center."

What is "Narrow-Pitch MT Ferrule (MTDS®)"? Explaining its revolutionary features

The "Narrow-Pitch MT Ferrule" is an "MT Ferrule" that uses a "reduced cladding fiber (80µm clad diameter)". The fiber hole of the "MT Ferrule" is 80µm, realizing a higher density design (125/127µm optical fiber pitch) than the conventional fiber pitch (250µm).
By narrowing the optical fiber pitch, the optical fiber arrangement can accommodate 24-Fiber to 32-Fiber in one row, and is designed to match the optical path of the silicon photonics.
"Silicon photonics" technology is a technology for integrating "optical circuits" on silicon substrates, enabling the miniaturization and integration of "optical devices." Combining this "silicon photonics" technology with the "Narrow-Pitch MT Ferrule" enables higher density "optical connections."

This innovation allows the "Narrow-Pitch MT Ferrule" to achieve a much higher density than the conventional "MT Ferrule." This improves the wiring efficiency between "optical modules" and enables high-performance data communication in the limited space inside optical devices.

Future prospects of the "Narrow-Pitch MT Ferrule (MTDS®)" market: Essential technology for "next-generation data centers"

Currently, global technology companies in the semiconductor chip industry are actively introducing "CPO" technology, and the optical communications market is calling for further evolution of "optical connection technology." "Narrow-Pitch MT Ferrule (MTDS®)" are one of the optimal solutions to these market trends, and demand is expected to continue to expand in the future.

One of the factors supporting the market growth of "Narrow-Pitch MT Ferrule (MTDS®)" is the demand for high-density "optical connection" in the construction of "next-generation data centers." In order to maximize the operational efficiency of "data centers," it is necessary to transmit more data at high speed and efficiently. "Narrow-Pitch MT Ferrule (MTDS®)" is the optimal technology to meet this need.

Hakusan Inc. 's technical capabilities and product lineup

Hakusan Inc. is taking on the challenge of developing "Narrow-Pitch MT Ferrule (MTDS®)" using the "optical Multifiber connection technology" and "high-precision injection molding technology" that it has cultivated over many years.
In the past, we had already produced samples of single-row 24-Fiber MT Ferrule, but at the time, they were limited to Multimode products.

However, we are currently developing a single-row, 32-Fiber Single-mode product (127µm pitch) in response to requests from several leading companies. Our technological capabilities have improved through our accumulated experience, and we are now able to take on the challenge of developing a single-row, 32-Fiber MT Ferrule.

Summary: The leading candidate for the "next-generation optical connection technology"

"Narrow-Pitch MT Ferrule" are becoming increasingly important as a connection technology for the "next generation" of "CPO/OBO". Hakusan Inc. 's products boast industry-leading quality and reliability, and can flexibly and accurately meet the diverse needs of our customers. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.