SYSTEMS AND SUBSYSTEMS
EDWA array
The latest version of the company's erbium-doped waveguide amplifier (EDWA) array features a newly optimized waveguide configuration and higher power conversion efficiency of four EDWAs integrated into one 135x22x17-mm package. The EDWA arrays have an extremely small footprint and can address the loss issues in large photonic crossconnects and other optical-switch fabrics. Any application that requires boosting the power level on several channels on separate fibers or multiple wavelength channels on several fibers in a tight space will benefit from the EDWA array. Individual pump power control allows for channel balancing. The EDWAs also have the low polarization dependence and noise of conventional EDFAs.
Teem Photonics, Grenoble, France
CWDM transceivers
Coarse WDM transceivers are available in all the common industry-standard transceiver footprints (1x9, 2x9, GBIC, and SFF), and provide eight wavelength channels at nominally 1470 nm, 1490 nm, 1510 nm, 1530 nm, 1550 nm, 1570 nm, 1590 nm, and 1610 nm. They are available in a multirate format, which allows operation at all the popular line rate speeds from 100-Mbit/sec Ethernet up to Gigabit Ethernet, including OC-3, OC-12 SONET/SDH/ATM, and Fibre Channel.
Optical Communication Products Inc., Chatsworth, CA
Metro band WDM
The Terra Band WDM (BWDM) products enable multiplexing of bands (typically four to eight channels) spaced at 100 GHz or 50 GHz, thereby improving performance and reducing overall networking costs, according to the company. BWDM offers less-intrusive capacity upgrades (only channels within the band are affected) and lower losses for pass-through channels, according to the manufacturer. The devices are most useful in multiple sites, each terminating many channels in a typical metro OADM ring.
Oplink Communications Inc., San Jose, CA
Lightwave probe
The lightwave probe is part of a photonic-device characterization solution for on-wafer and in-module devices. Its vertical orientation is ideal for PIN, APD, and VCSEL characterization. Coupled with the manufacturer's RF/microwave probes and WinCal calibration software, the probe provides at-frequency testing for 40-Gbit/sec devices and beyond. The lightwave probe makes use of a variety of user-interchangeable optical fibers, including lensed tips, to meet diverse testing needs. The probe's patented contact protection feature prevents device damage due to accidental contact.
Cascade Microtech, Inc., Beaverton, OR
MEMS wafer/die test system
The DynamiX optical MEMS wafer/die test systems provide semiautomated testing of MEMS and MOEMS, offering an integrated solution optimized for medium-volume and pilot production of MOEMS devices. Users can test and characterize a wide range of MOEMS devices, including VOAs, optical switches, OXCs, and 2-D and 3-D micro-mirror arrays. The system provides optical, electrical, and mechanical testing in an integrated system. Typical measurements include characterization of the displacement of the MEMS element as a function of applied stimulus (voltage/current), in-plane and out-of-plane displacement measurements in 6 degrees-of-freedom with nanometer resolution, response time, resonance, and surface characterization measurements such as profilometry. DynamiX incorporates a semiautomated analytical wafer prober, an optical head assembly, and a precision electrical stimulus/measurement package.
Etec Inc., Peabody, MA
OC-192/OC-768 chipsets
A new line of OC-192 and OC-768 analog chipsets for core and metro applications leverages GaAs PHEMT technology. The OC-192 laser driver offers power dissipation of 800-900 mW at full-drive current, which enables greater reliability and ease of packaging; a 1x1.1-mm size, which is critical for competitive modules; and high gain/low noise, which results in higher sensitivity. The OC-768 modulator driver is a single-chip solution capable of driving lithium niobate modulators. It offers 8-Vpp output voltage swing (with 17-dB gain) at 800 mW, as well as wideband operation ranges from 100 kHz to 50 GHz. Other devices include an OC-192 modulator driver, which has an output voltage swing of 7.5 Vpp (with 26-dB gain) at 1.4-W chip dissipation and an OC-192 high-gain transimpedance amplifier with a TZ gain of 10 kohms with limiting output. An OC-768 transimpedance amplifier offers TZ gain of 400-800 ohms.
Acelo Semiconductor Inc., Oxnard, CA
Optical modulator controller
The Mach-10 product line has expanded with the addition of a modulator controller. The device combines a 12.5-Gbit/sec modulator driver with bias control, dither, and power conditioning circuitry. The integration of these functions into one value-added subassembly provides significant space and power reductions for transponder board designs. The device includes key functions such as modulator bias control, power sequencing or monitoring, and gain control. It will work with any commercially available external modulator.
CODEON Corp., Columbia, MD
Fiber-optic IC
The X9525, a member of the X9520 family of programmable mixed-signal products, is designed to integrate several major control functions for fiber-optic modules in fiber LAN and Gigabit Ethernet applications. These include bias current control, modulation control, and voltage level sensing. The devices are programmed using a standard two-wire GBIC interface protocol. The X9525 combines two nonvolatile digitally controlled potentiometers, EEPROM with block-lock protection, and a device ID addressing function. This addressing function enables designers to use two devices, each with unique IDs, in a single fiber-optic module. The device enables fiber-optic designers to implement laser eye safety and electronic lock protection of manufacturer's proprietary information stored in memory.
Xicor Inc., Milpitas, CA
Electronic VOA
These electronic VOAs come in one- and eight-channel configurations. Designed for metro and long-haul DWDM applications, the devices combine a response speed of more than 2 MHz with a dynamic range of up to 45 dB of attenuation. Power consumption is 150 mW per channel. The high response speed of the one-channel device enables regulation of the power spikes generated as channels are added and dropped. The combination of high attenuation and fast response time enables the products to be used as "blocking" components in protection-switching applications. Both devices are available in volume quantities.
Bookham Technology plc, Oxford, UK
Lensed fibers
The OptiFocus product line includes lensed fibers for collimating, focusing, imaging, and condensing light. The OptiFocus collimating lensed fiber is smaller than the typical collimator used in networks and requires no alignment of the lens to the fiber. The OptiFocus focusing lensed fiber focuses light to beam sizes of 6 microns, with long working distances. The OptiFocus tapered lensed fiber meets the requirements of high-numerical-aperture applications with short working distances. OptiFocus lensed fibers are monolithic devices that are thermally formed using a proprietary process. The lens-forming process is suitable for making a wide range of lens sizes allowing the beam diameter, working distance, and divergence angle to be tailored to customer specifications. The physical characteristics and performance attributes enable design flexibility, device miniaturization, component integration, and high coupling efficiency.
Corning Inc., Corning, NY
DFB laser modules
Available in 10-, 20-, and 40-mW configurations, these DFB laser modules with integrated wavelength lockers are suited for use with external lithium niobate modulators to send transmission signals across 10- and 40-Gbit/sec optical networks. These laser modules eliminate the need for an external wavelength locker, so the fiber coming out of the laser module needs only to be connected to the modulator.
Agere Systems, Allentown, PA
Multimedia wall outlet housing
The fiber-optic work-area multimedia boxes are offered in single- and double-gang configurations in white, ivory, and gray. The package includes clear and solid label covers, icons, paper labels, and mounting and assembly hardware. The base of the single-gang box provides connection points for four SC/ST fibers or eight MT-RJ fibers. The cover accommodates up to four copper/CATV/fiber ports. The double-gang version is built to provide accommodation for six ST/SC and 12 MTRJ fibers at the base and up to eight copper/CATV/fiber ports on the cover. Each configuration (single or double gang) uses slide-in bezels that are designed to fit at the base. The base is dedicated to fiber only.
ICC Cerritos, CA
Remote distribution panel
The remote distribution cabinet (RDC) provides 168 circuit-breaker poles in a 24x24-inch cabinet. It is intended for power-dense telecom environments such as Web hosting and collocation facilities where space is at a premium. The RDC frees valuable floor space, eases installation and wiring, and provides a safer method for technicians to reconfigure connected loads, according to the manufacturer.
Liebert Corp., Columbus, OH
Fiber-routing control system
The fiber-routing control (FRC) system features central waterfall slots in its rack-mounted, high-density TSX shelves. The shelves come in 144 and 72 fiber counts. The shelves' FRC system eases installation and extraction of patch cords for rerouting and troubleshooting for a cost-effective solution for today's high-density requirements. The TSX shelves may be purchased separately or can be loaded with the company's LGX-compatible, pre-terminated TSL-72, 96, 144, or 216 fiber shelves within a bay assembly that allows user flexibility for meeting customized fiber count and management requirements for central office and other applications.
Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, Research Triangle Park, NC
Probe for PoS networks
The nGenius probe 9300 offers visibility into performance-sensitive enterprise IP applications. By monitoring the OC-3 and OC-12 links, the nGenius probe 9300 sheds light on the performance of the IP applications running over them. The probe's dual-port design allows monitoring of network traffic over redundant SONET links without interruption, even in the event of a failure. The device supports all NetScout extensions, such as application response times, VoIP, and custom applications.
NetScout Systems Inc., Westford, MA
Alignment system
The auto-fiber alignment system is a peak search system for coupling fiber arrays and waveguides. The system is designed to help conduct confidential fiber-optical research; support device evaluations, inspections, and modular assemblies; and offer quality alignment.
Suruga Seiki Co. Ltd., Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo