AI Data Centers: 1.6T Networking & 12fs Jitter Solutions

Escalating Bandwidth, Thermal Constraints, and Jitter Sensitivity

With the rapid growth of generative AI, data center traffic is exploding, pushing optical interconnect speeds from 800G toward 1.6T and 3.2T. In the Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) central to these ultra-high-speed systems, even slight timing variations during electrical-to-optical conversion accumulate as RMS jitter (phase noise). This severely degrades the Bit Error Rate (BER), making highly pure, low-jitter reference clocks more critical than ever.
At the same time, higher server density is intensifying thermal and power constraints across the data center. Within the extreme heat of optical transceivers, MEMS and PLL-based oscillators are reaching their performance limits, as temperature compensation mechanisms can introduce instability into noise characteristics. Consequently, there is an urgent need for next-generation clock solutions capable of directly generating high frequencies, such as 625 MHz, while maintaining unwavering jitter performance under severe thermal conditions.

Why River Eletec? Our Strengths

Ultra-Low Jitter (Typ. 12fs) for 1.6T/3.2T Optical Transceivers

In 1.6T and 3.2T ultra-high-speed optical communication, the greatest hurdle is RMS jitter, which directly triggers DSP signal processing errors and degrades the Bit Error Rate (BER). River Eletec’s proprietary KoT-cut crystal technology achieves pure fundamental-mode oscillation without relying on digital compensation (such as PLLs), thereby completely eliminating PLL-induced noise peaking.

True 625MHz Fundamental Oscillation for the 1.6T Era

In the transitional phase toward the high frequencies demanded by the 1.6T era, some design approaches attempt to meet specifications by using "multiple" lower-frequency oscillators within a single module. However, this increased component count not only hinders space-saving efforts but also elevates the risk of noise interference and drives up the overall power consumption of the module.
River Eletec’s "KCRO-05" is a 625MHz fundamental-mode oscillator purpose-built for next-generation optical transceivers. Its uncompromising single-chip, 625MHz direct oscillation expands communication margins while realizing lower system-wide power consumption and simplifying thermal design.

PLL-Free Architecture for Stable BER Under Extreme Heat

In densely integrated AI servers, optical modules often operate in extremely high-temperature environments. Unlike MEMS or PLL-based oscillators that rely on complex digital compensation, the KCRO-05 crystal oscillator uses a crystal-driven architecture that maintains stable jitter performance under severe thermal stress.
This PLL-free design helps sustain low BER even under high system heat loads, supporting reliable signal integrity in next-generation high-speed communication systems.

Applications
Where Our Timing Devices Are Used

Optical Transceivers
(800G / 1.6T & Beyond)

Ultra-high-speed communication modules connecting servers and racks. Serving as the critical reference clock for DSPs, our oscillators deliver an ultra-low jitter of 12fs, minimizing the Bit Error Rate (BER) in 800G-and-beyond communications.

12fs KoT cut OPAW oscillator (KCRO series)

Network Switches / Core Routers

High-performance switching platforms that handle massive data center traffic with minimal latency. Serving as a reference clock source, our crystal oscillators provide low phase-noise timing, supporting precise network synchronization and stable operation of core switching and routing systems.

12fs KoT cut OPAW oscillator (KCRO series)

AI Servers / GPU Accelerators

Reference clock solutions for GPU clusters and high-speed interconnect systems, supporting platforms compliant with PCIe Gen5 and Gen6. Even when installed near major heat sources such as GPUs and CPUs, our crystal oscillators maintain stable clock performance, ensuring reliable timing for next-generation AI computing systems.