According to a new ElectroniCast study, "Optical Attenuator Market Forecast," the Global consumption of optical attenuators in 2000 was $310.6 million. The consumption value will increase at a strong pace of about 33.9 percent per year over the next five years, to $1.2 billion in 2005, with rapidly rising quantity growth substantially offset by falling average prices. Over the 2005-2010 period, the consumption value growth will continue at an average annual rate of 38.4 percent, to reach $6.96 billion.
Telecom Leads Optical Attenuator Demands
Optical attenuators used for telecom networks accounted for 73.5 percent of 2000 optical attenuator value, $228.4 million. The telecom share will increase to 82 percent or $1.0 billion by 2005, then increase further to 92.1 percent or $6.4 billion by 2010. "The steady consumption will be driven by accelerating deployment of fiber in the loop, plus the continuing demand for upgrading long-haul DWDM networks to accommodate bandwidth requirements," said Stephen Montgomery, president of ElectroniCast Corporation.
Fiber optic attenuators, both fixed and adjustable (variable), use a variety of techniques for achieving optical attenuation including mechanical and electronic.
In this ElectroniCast report, the fiber optic attenuator market is presented in segments:
* Panel Mount -- Fixed (includes - bulkhead, connector build-out)
* Cable Assembly -- Fixed (includes - jumper/pigtailed, in-line)
* Variable (VOA)
* Manual (panel mount/stand alone)
* Electronically controlled
Solid-state attenuators are electrically tunable (electronically controlled) with various methods including magneto-optic, acousto-optic and electro-optic. The amount of attenuation is dynamically variable as applied voltage is changed over its operating range. "Advantages include the fastest tuning speed and uninterrupted, inline adjustment. A high technology design, the electrically variable attenuator (VOA) disadvantage includes cost and a design that resets to zero attenuation in the event of a power loss to the tuning circuit," said Denise Conner, a research analyst at ElectroniCast.
In 2000, electronically controlled (including remotely controlled) variable optic attenuators (EVOAs) held a 70 percent market share of Global consumption, $219.7 million.
About ElectroniCast:
Founded in 1981, ElectroniCast is a provider of forecasting for the fiber optic, optoelectronic, and photonic industries, including technology forecasting, markets and applications forecasting, strategic planning, competitive analysis, and marketing/sales consultation. For more information, visit www.electronicast.com.