Agilent Technologies introduces surface-mount voltage controlled oscillators for 40-Gbit/sec systems

Agilent Technologies Inc. has introduced a new family of surface-mount (SMT) voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) for next-generation high-speed 40-Gbit/sec fiber-optic communications systems. The devices synchronize data and voice communications systems to operate at U.S.-standard SONET or European-standard STM transmission rates.

Agilent's VCOs perform multiplexing and demultiplexing clocking and enable manufacturers to meet the stringent low-jitter performance specifications necessary for line cards in network routers and long-haul communications systems, claims the company. The compact size of VCOs will enable network equipment manufacturers to design more tightly integrated boards and line cards for 40-Gbit/sec systems.

Agilent's SMT VCOs deliver standard SONET frequencies of 19.906 GHz and 39.813 GHz, with differential outputs, making them compatible with the MUX and DEMUX ICs for 40-Gbit/sec applications. They use Agilent's silicon bipolar and GaAs PHEMT technologies, and operate at 5-V bias with a 0- to 5-V tuning range. They are also available at slightly higher frequencies for systems using forward error correction (FEC), and can be packaged with SMA/K-connectors.

Agilent is shipping engineering samples of the VTO-1990-SMD (19.906 GHz) and the VTO-3981-SMD (39.813 GHz) surface-mount VCOs to select customers. The VTO-1990-SMD is priced at $500 in high volume. The VTO-3981-SMD is $650 in high volume. Both VCOs are also available in coaxial packages and are expected to be available for general sampling by first quarter 2002.

For more information about Agilent Technologies (Palo Alto, CA), visit the company's Web site at www.agilent.com.