ElectroniCast pegs optical modulator market at $229 million in 2013

The worldwide consumption value of external optical modulators in fiber-optic networks is projected to reach $229 million this year, according the latest report from ElectroniCast Consultants.

There are essentially two ways to modulate laser diodes: directly and indirectly (externally). In this research study, ElectroniCast provides a market forecast of the use of electro-optic (EO) and electroabsorption (EA) external modulators. The consumption of EO modulators is expected to exceed that of EA modulators throughout the forecast period, 2013 – 2018, the market research firm says.

“The dramatic push for faster bit rates and extended connectivity of data centers, residential, mobile smartphones, and smart network communications will eventually drive networks to incorporate optical interfaces beyond 100G,” said Stephen Montgomery, director of the fiber-optics component group at ElectroniCast.

According to the ElectroniCast study, the use of external modulators at rates of 10 Gbps and higher (but under 40 Gbps) is expected to dominate the market throughout the 2013 – 2018 timeframe; however, the 40-Gbps and higher category is forecast to increase at a faster annual pace and will nearly catch up in market share.

The data presented in the market forecast report details optical modulator use for the following transfer rate categories: less than 10 Gbps; 10 Gbps to less than 40 Gbps; 40 Gbps and higher.

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