W. L. Gore & Associates Inc. and Alvesta cross-license QuadLink 10-Gbit optical transceivers
W. L. Gore & Associates Inc., provider of high bandwidth, very short reach (VSR) fiber-optic communications products, and Alvesta, provider of optical communications products to telecom, datacom, and storage systems companies, have announced their decision to cross-license 4-channel parallel optical transceivers as defined by the QuadLink MSA, a multi-source agreement defining small footprint 4-channel optical transceivers.
QuadLink is the first parallel optics MSA optimized for 10-Gbit operation across multiple industry standards, including Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) for SONET/SDH, InfiniBand, and 10-Gbit Fibre Channel. It is based on a four-channel, full-duplex optical transceiver architecture that operates over a single ribbon fiber cable.
The two companies have entered into a technology license agreement that enables both companies to manufacture fully compatible 10-Gbit optical transceivers based on the same underlying optical, electrical, and mechanical design. A common design heritage provides true second sourcing and ensures the highest degree of plug compatibility and interoperability with other components within customer systems, say the companies.
Industry standards supported by the QuadLink MSA include OIF-VSR4-03.0 for OC-192 VSR links, IB-4X-SX for InfiniBand architecture quad optical links, and 1200-M5-SN4P-1 for 10-Gigabit Fibre Channel VSR optics. QuadLink will also support the emerging OIF SFI-4 Phase 2 four-lane interface standard for SONET/SDH OC-192 framers.
The QuadLink MSA leverages the broad availability of electronic components optimized for four-channel operation. Specifically, the MSA is compatible with SERDES and integrated switch silicon from a number of leading semiconductor manufacturers. Compatible products include quad and octal SONET/SDH SERDES and integrated switches supporting 4 x 2.488 Gbps data transfer, quad InfiniBand SERDES and 4x integrated switches operating at 4 x 2.5 Gbps, and four-channel XAUI SERDES for 10-gigabit Ethernet or 10-gigabit Fibre Channel applications operating at 4 x 3.125 or 4 x 3.1875 Gbps respectively.
The MSA footprint of 550 sq. mm is the smallest in the industry for 10-Gbit/sec serial or parallel optics, taking 30% less board space than the next smallest solution, claim company representatives. A unique field replaceable electrical connector avoids manufacturing issues associated with solderable optic modules. A standardized management interface is also provided.
For more information about W. L. Gore & Associates Inc. (Newark, DE), visit the company's Web site at www.gore.com.
Additional information about Alvesta (Sunnyvale, CA) may be found on the company's Web site at www.alvesta.com.