Lightmatter Introduces Passage M1000: A New Era in Photonic Computing

Introducing the Passage M1000: A Game-Changer in Photonic Supercomputing

Today, we’re diving into some exciting news from Lightmatter, the trailblazer in photonic supercomputing. They’ve just launched the Passage M1000, a revolutionary 3D Photonic Superchip that’s set to redefine the landscape of next-generation XPUs and switches. Imagine a staggering 114 Tbps of total optical bandwidth—yes, you read that right! This is a leap forward for the most demanding AI infrastructure applications.

What Makes the M1000 Stand Out?

Let’s talk size for a moment. The M1000 is a hefty 4,000 square millimeters, functioning as a multi-reticle active photonic interposer. But what does that mean for you? Simply put, it allows for the world’s largest die complexes to exist within a single 3D package, connecting thousands of GPUs in one seamless domain. This isn’t just a step up; it’s a giant leap for chip design.

In traditional chip designs, interconnects for processors, memory, and I/O chiplets often hit a wall when it comes to bandwidth. Why? Because electrical I/O connections are typically limited to the edges of the chips. The Passage M1000 flips this script by enabling electro-optical I/O connections to pop up virtually anywhere on its surface. Picture a bustling city where every street (or in this case, waveguide) is open for business—this is the kind of connectivity the M1000 offers.

A Closer Look at the Technology

What powers this connectivity? An extensive, reconfigurable waveguide network that carries high-bandwidth WDM optical signals throughout the M1000. And here’s a real kicker: it boasts fully integrated fiber attachment for an unprecedented 256 fibers, delivering bandwidth that’s orders of magnitude higher than conventional Co-Packaged Optics (CPO). Talk about a serious upgrade!

Lightmatter has partnered with industry giants like GlobalFoundries (GF) and Amkor to ensure that the M1000 is not just a concept but a production-ready design that meets the highest standards of quality and performance. The M1000 leverages the GF Fotonix silicon photonics platform, which seamlessly integrates photonic components with high-performance CMOS logic into a single die. This means it’s not just powerful; it’s scalable—perfect for meeting the ever-growing demands of AI.

What Industry Leaders Are Saying

Nick Harris, founder and CEO of Lightmatter, couldn’t be more excited. “The Passage M1000 is a breakthrough achievement in photonics and semiconductor packaging for AI infrastructure,” he said. “We’re delivering a photonics roadmap years ahead of industry projections. Shoreline is no longer a limitation for I/O.” This isn’t just tech jargon; it’s a promise of what’s to come.

Dr. Thomas Caulfield, president and CEO of GF, echoed this sentiment, stating that the M1000’s architecture sets the pace for photonics performance and will transform advanced AI chip design. “Our advanced manufacturing capabilities and highly flexible, monolithic silicon photonics solution are instrumental in bringing this technology to market,” he added.

Vlad Kozlov, founder and CEO of LightCounting, highlighted the broader implications of this innovation. “The insatiable demand for scale-up bandwidth is fueling interconnect innovation,” he noted. The M1000’s capabilities truly outshine existing CPO solutions, making it a compelling advancement in the field.

Key Features You Need to Know

So, what are the standout features of the M1000? Here’s a quick rundown:

–

8-tile 3D active interposer

with an integrated programmable waveguide network
–

3D integrated electrical circuits

containing a total of 1,024 Electrical SerDes
–

56 Gbps NRZ modulation

–

8 wavelength WDM transmission

on waveguides and fibers
–

256 optical fibers

edge attached with 448 Gbps bandwidth per fiber
–

1.5 kW power delivery

in an integrated advanced package (7,735 mm²)

The Passage M1000, alongside the newly announced Passage L200, is set to turbocharge advancements in AI, enabling larger and more capable models to be trained faster than ever. Mark your calendars—the M1000 will hit the market in the summer of 2025, accompanied by Lightmatter’s powerful light engine, Guide.

The Future of AI Infrastructure

As we look ahead, the Passage M1000 stands as a testament to the incredible potential of photonic technology in AI infrastructure. With its capabilities, we’re not just witnessing an evolution; we’re on the brink of a revolution. Can you imagine the possibilities? The future is bright—literally!

Background Information

---

About GlobalFoundries:

GlobalFoundries is a semiconductor manufacturing company founded in 2009 by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with major manufacturing facilities in the United States, Germany, and Singapore, GlobalFoundries has established itself as one of the leading players in the global semiconductor industry. With a focus on providing innovative solutions for a wide range of applications including mobile, automotive, and IoT devices.

  

Latest Articles about GlobalFoundries

Technology Explained

---

chiplets: Chiplets are a new type of technology that is revolutionizing the computer industry. They are small, modular components that can be used to build a variety of computer systems. Chiplets are designed to be highly efficient and cost-effective, allowing for the creation of powerful and complex systems without the need for large, expensive components. They are also highly customizable, allowing for the creation of systems tailored to specific needs. Chiplets are being used in a variety of applications, from high-end gaming PCs to embedded systems and even supercomputers. They are also being used to create powerful AI systems, allowing for the development of more advanced and intelligent machines. Chiplets are revolutionizing the computer industry, allowing for the creation of powerful and efficient systems at a fraction of the cost.

Latest Articles about chiplets