Within the COREnext project, one of the recent demonstrations led by INFINEON has explored how plastic optical fibre can support high-speed data transfer inside future communication systems. The work focuses on a high-rate data link operating in the H-Band, using a Plastic Multimode Fibre (PMF) and an in-package PMF coupler designed specifically for this frequency range. This approach offers a different route toward compact and efficient data interconnects, reducing dependency on traditional materials while supporting the scalability required for emerging workloads.
The system is built on a combination of MATLAB-based baseband signal processing and an analogue beam-steering transceiver architecture. Four independent RF front-ends and antennas allow real-time beam control, enabling the system to dynamically adapt while maintaining consistent transmission performance. The demonstration also incorporates an interactive monitoring interface, providing direct insight into link behaviour and allowing users to operate and observe the setup live — a useful feature for evaluating system stability, responsiveness and performance under different conditions.
A key achievement lies in the successful demonstration of the first in-package PMF coupler operating in the H-Band. Its compact structure, reduced optical loss and cost-efficient design make it a strong candidate for next-generation interconnects. By reducing energy consumption while sustaining very high throughput, this solution could support future environments such as large-scale data centres and highly distributed computing architectures, where bandwidth demands continue to grow.
The objective of the demonstration is to illustrate how fibre-based links can be implemented at high frequencies without compromising efficiency or system footprint. In doing so, it points to potential pathways for improving energy-aware communication at scale, and for building digital infrastructures that remain flexible as demand increases. As development continues, the work stands as a reference point for future system integration within COREnext and beyond — offering a glimpse of what next-generation network interconnects may look like.