Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has recently announced a strategic collaboration with AttoTude Inc., a key player in terahertz (THz) interconnect technology geared towards artificial intelligence (AI) and hyperscale data center applications. This partnership aims to enhance the development of advanced signal analysis solutions, crucial for the fast-evolving landscape of data center interconnects.

2. AttoTude's Vision for THz Interconnects

AttoTude is revolutionizing the way data centers manage interconnects through its innovative ASIC-based transmission over low-loss THz waveguides. This technology is designed to tackle significant challenges such as bandwidth limitations, reliability issues, and energy efficiency, all of which are pivotal for the evolving demands of AI infrastructures. The company’s THz platform boasts operational frequencies of up to 1 THz and can achieve data rates of 225 Gbaud by utilizing advanced modulation formats, including PAM4 and multi-level QAM.

3. Enhanced Signal Analysis with Keysight

Central to this collaboration is the integration of Keysight's enhanced signal analysis capabilities into AttoTude's development processes. The 89600 Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) software is a key component of this initiative, providing essential tools for characterizing high-speed waveforms modulated onto THz carriers. Recent upgrades to the VSA software, particularly the FlexFrame measurement capability, include:

Improved Frequency Estimation Algorithms: These enhancements ensure reliability in challenging channel conditions.

Streamlined Predistortion and Rx Equalization: These capabilities allow for more precise signal processing.

Expanded Modulation Format Support: This supports a wider range of applications and use cases.

4. Insights from Industry Leaders

Dave Welch, Co-founder and CEO of AttoTude, emphasized the importance of having cutting-edge signal analysis tools to match their innovative pursuits in THz communications for AI data centers. He stated, “Keysight’s UXR Oscilloscope and 89600 VSA software with FlexFrame capabilities have proven invaluable in validating and evolving our THz technology. Keysight’s supportive partnership with our team significantly improved the speed and confidence of our learning cycles.”

Joachim Peerlings, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight’s Networks and Data Center Group, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of innovative companies like AttoTude in meeting the increasing compute demands for AI. He remarked, “AttoTude represents the kind of innovative customer that drives us to continually advance our signal analysis capabilities. We are proud to enable their pioneering work in THz interconnect technology for AI applications.”

5. Conclusion

The collaboration between Keysight Technologies and AttoTude marks a significant step forward in the development of THz interconnect technologies, enhancing the capabilities of data centers to meet the growing demands of AI. By combining Keysight's advanced signal analysis tools with AttoTude's innovative solutions, the partnership aims to not only improve bandwidth and efficiency but also pave the way for future advancements in interconnect technology. As the landscape of data centers continues to evolve, initiatives like this will be crucial in driving innovation and meeting the challenges of tomorrow.

Original press release