About SWDM Technology

Shortwave data center connections are usually powered by VCSELs operating near a wavelength of 850 nm. Shortwave wavelength division multiplexing (SWDM) is a technology that uses multiple VCSELs at different wavelengths around that 850 nm region to generate individual data streams, all multiplexed onto a single fiber pair. This is the same concept that is used in the Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) standards used in the longwave 1310 nm region operating over single mode fiber, except that SWDM is generated by VCSELs , which are a lower cost technology.

In an SWDM module, multiple SWDM VCSELs produce optical signals that are multiplexed onto a single fiber. All of the VCSELs and the optical multiplexing occur within the optical module. On the receive side of the module, the wavelengths are demultiplexed and then converted to parallel electrical signals.