Clarendon Photonics introduces world's first 8 λ ROADM and 4 λ ROADM+VOA mask sets

March 20, 2003--Clarendon Photonics Inc., developer of waveguide-based integrated DWDM components, today announced the completion of mask layouts for what it claims is the world's first monolithic 8 λ ROADM as well as the first single-chip 4 λ ROADM+VOA. First silicon, produced by Micron Technology Inc., in Boise, ID, will yield initial samples in the second quarter of 2003. Delivery of customer evaluation samples is expected to follow thereafter.

"These new products are derivations of first-generation devices currently in trials with our customers," explains Pierre Villeneuve, founder and chief executive officer of Clarendon Photonics. "The new 4 λ ROADM+VOA uses the same core design as current products. We added a DMR Optical Processor to each Add port to implement the VOA function. For the new 8 λ ROADM, we cascaded 2 of the core designs to double the number of Add/Drop ports. Neither of the new designs requires an increase in the current 7mm x 7mm die size."

The 8 λ ROADM is a single-chip solution intended for use within metro network elements installed at DWDM core nodes. It replaces fixed OADM solutions requiring as many as 18 discrete components with a space-saving, reconfigurable solution offering lower insertion loss, improved passband characteristics and better isolation properties, say company representatives. The 4 λ ROADM+VOA targets applications in metro network elements installed in amplified DWDM networks. Its built-in Add-port VOAs permit remote management of launch power where client signals enter a DWDM network.

"Our ability to spawn products with increased functionality and increased channel count through the relatively simple process of mask programming is one of the most important aspects of our product development strategy," contends Bill Thompson, vice president of marketing. "It allows us to rapidly respond to the market needs of our customers. We intend to use this advantage to support the channel plans, product configurations, and functional depths required to enable next-generation DWDM networking solutions."

Clarendon Photonics will be demonstrating its products during OFC 2003 at Booth # 7570.