Alcatel Optronics and Multilink Technology Corp. collaborate on DWDM transceivers

Alcatel Optronics and Multilink Technology Corp. have formed a partnership to jointly develop next-generation transceivers. The collaboration will result in a product that integrates Alcatel Optronics' high-performance optical components with Multilink's high-speed electronic devices to deliver a cost-effective, compact DWDM transceiver solution for the core telecommunications network.

Alcatel Optronics and Multilink claim their transceiver solution will be among the first in the industry to address the long haul, ultra long haul, and submarine networks. Also, because of the high level of integration of electronics and optics within one module, it will be more compact, have a lower power consumption, and therefore be less expensive to operate than currently existing solutions, contend the companies.

The agreement will include development of 10-Gbit/sec and 40-Gbit/sec solutions. Both Multilink and Alcatel Optronics will play a significant role in the development of these subsystems. The first product to come out of this collaboration will be a 10-Gbit/sec optical transceiver optimized for cost-effective performance for long haul, ultra long haul, and submarine applications. This product will be made available to equipment suppliers providing solutions for the core network, with Alcatel as the first customer.

Alcatel Optronics (Paris) designs, manufactures, and sells high performance optical components, modules, and integrated sub-systems for use in terrestrial and submarine optical telecommunications networks. For more information, visit Alcatel Optronics on the Internet at www.alcatel.com/optronics.

Multilink Technology Corp. (Somerset, NJ) designs, develops, and markets advanced-mixed-signal integrated circuits, modules, VLSI products, and higher-level assemblies designed to enable the next generation of high-speed optical networking systems.