TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute says advancements in silicon photonics transmission technology could eventually replace traditional copper wiring, CTEE reported Saturday.

Silicon photonics uses photons instead of electrons to transmit signals and is mainly used for short-distance data transmission in data centers, according to Sinotrade. Copper wiring remains standard, but its limits are prompting the industry to explore optical alternatives, said Chang Shih-chieh (張世杰), general director of the institute’s Electronic and Optoelectronic System Research Laboratories.

Chang explained that silicon photonics requires an “optical engine” to convert electrical signals to light and back. This complex process, which involves laser calibration, is currently only possible in Taiwan through TSMC.

Copper transmission, by contrast, has advanced rapidly. Speeds once expected to max out at 50 gigabits per second now reach 100–200 Gbps, rivaling current silicon photonics.

Silicon photonics excels in long-distance applications. New designs place optical fibers beside chips, with engines handling signal conversion.

Future integration of engines directly next to switch chips could reach 400 Gbps per fiber. As automation improves, costs are expected to fall, paving the way for wider adoption.

With rising artificial intelligence demand and expanding data centers, silicon photonics is increasingly critical. It combines optical and silicon semiconductor technology to offer an efficient, cost-effective solution for future data transmission, according to Stockfeel.

Chang said Taiwan’s optical communications progress relies on domestic research and development, TSMC’s production, and collaboration among local companies. By combining upstream and downstream expertise, Taiwan is building a full supply chain and positioning itself for global competitiveness.