- Development of PEC (photonic-electronic convergence) devices with low power consumption to reduce heat generation.
- PEC devices to facilitate photonic transmissions from traditional communication areas to computing and mobile device areas.
- NTT’s IOWN expansion includes APN, DTC, and CF, with NTT Innovative Devices supporting the initiative’s goal for commercial realization by 2030.
NTT Corporation (NTT) introduced NTT Innovative Devices Corporation to develop, design, and manufacture photonic-electronic convergence (PEC) devices. These devices are pivotal in NTT’s deployment of its Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) initiative, aiming to construct high-speed, high-capacity, ultra-low latency, and low-power-consumption global communications and computing infrastructure using optics-based technologies.
Arising from the amalgamation of NTT Electronics and an R&D unit within NTT Laboratories, NTT Innovative Devices will maintain a global presence, producing PEC devices in Japan while operating sales companies in the United States, Europe, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. It currently employs over 500 staff members.
The creation of NTT Innovative Devices marks a major milestone in a global deployment of photonics-based networking and computing. Each device manufactured by our organization is a testament to decades of fundamental research and development undertaken by NTT’s scientists and our collaborators. We are advancing and contributing to the larger societal goals of IOWN: creating a better, more sustainable, more equitable future for all.
Hidehiro Tsukano, president and CEO of NTT
The PEC hardware manufactured by NTT Innovative Devices combines optical and electronic solutions into a single packaged device, offering higher performance, functionality, and compact size. These devices reduce power and heat generated by conventional electronics in network and computing equipment, delivering extremely high speeds with low latency over long distances.
Also read: JPNAP, JPIX, and BBIX to build IXPs at AT TOKYO CC3
Presently, the company is producing the second-generation iteration of PEC devices named CoPKG. CoPKG integrates digital signal processing (DSP) and Silicon Photonics-based optical circuits into one device, offering transmission capacities ranging from 0.4Tbps to 0.8Tbps across distances of 40 to 300 kilometers.
In 2025, NTT Innovative Devices plans to manufacture a third-generation device, an optical engine operating at a transmission capacity of 3.2Tbps across distances of 10 meters to 2 kilometers. Subsequent iterations are scheduled for 2028 (fourth generation) and 2032 (fifth generation), with transmission speeds of 5Tbps and 15Tbps, respectively.
While current-generation PEC devices from NTT Innovation are designed for implementation in relatively long-distance communications and data center interconnecting equipment, future implementation is anticipated within data centers, with forthcoming generations of PEC devices for servers, vehicles, personal computers, and other devices, including smartphones.
The establishment of NTT Innovative Devices supports NTT’s global expansion of IOWN, comprising three major technical fields:
All-Photonics Network (APN)
Photonics and optics-based technologies to achieve ultra-high capacity, ultra-low latency, and ultra-low power consumption.
Digital Twin Computing (DTC)
An extension of conventional digital twins leveraging photonics-based computational capabilities to perform calculations on virtual models of objects and humans to accurately make predictions about the future.
Cognitive Foundation (CF)
Optimized, autonomous control of ICT resources such as cloud, edge, networks and devices based on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Also read: Telin and Zenlayer team up to deliver edge computing solutions
The IOWN initiative is backed by over 120 leading technology companies globally through the IOWN Global Forum, led by founding members NTT, Intel, and SONY. NTT and the IOWN Global Forum aim to commercially realize IOWN by 2030.
About NTT
NTT contributes to a sustainable society through the power of innovation. It is a leading global technology company that provides services to consumers and businesses as a mobile operator, infrastructure, networks, applications, and consulting provider. Its offerings include digital business consulting, managed application services, workplace and cloud solutions, data center and edge computing, all supported by its deep global industry expertise.
With over $97B in revenue and 330,000 employees, NTT invests $3.6B annually in R&D. Its operations span across 80+ countries and regions, allowing the company to serve clients in over 190 of them. NTT serves over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, thousands of other enterprise and government clients, and millions of consumers.
