Wavelength-division multiplexing for use in multi-chip systems

A method for communicating data signals in an array of CMs that includes N subsets of CMs, each of which includes M CMs, the method comprising:

• receiving optical signals from a first CM at a second CM via an optical signal path and receiving the optical signals from the second CM at a third CM via the optical signal path, wherein the optical signal path is configured for bidirectional communication of information between the CMs;
• and
• wherein adjacent CMs, such as the first CM and the second CM or the second CM and the third CM, are configured to communicate with each other using electromagnetic proximity communication through electromagnetically coupled proximity connectors;
• and
• wherein the optical signals are encoded using wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM);
• wherein the given CM which can include the first or second or third CM is coupled to CMs in a given subset by a first optical signal path and is coupled to other subsets by a second optical signal path;
• and
• wherein CMs in the array communicate with the given CM using optical signals in a sub-channel on the first optical signal path or on the second optical signal path, which is associated with a given wavelength in a set of wavelengths.

A computer system, comprising:

• a processor;
• a memory;
• an array of chip modules (CMs) that includes N subsets of CMs, each of which includes M CMs, wherein a given CM in the array includes a semiconductor die that is configured to communicate data signals with one or more adjacent CMs through electromagnetic proximity communication using proximity connectors;
• wherein the proximity connectors are proximate to a surface of the semiconductor die;
• wherein the given CM is configured to communicate optical signals with other CMs through an optical signal path using optical communication, wherein the given CM is coupled to CMs in a given subset by a first optical signal path and is coupled to other subsets by a second optical signal path, and wherein the optical signal paths are configured for bidirectional communication of information between the CMs;
• and
• wherein the optical signals are encoded using wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM),
• wherein CMs in the array communicate with the given CM using optical signals in a sub-channel on the first optical signal path or on the second optical signal path, which is associated with a given wavelength in a set of wavelengths.