Welcome to the Lightwave Attendees' Choice Awards balloting for products featured at OFC 2002. Those attending the show are eligible to vote for their favorite product in each of seven categories within this section: Systems, Subsystems, Components, Test Equipment, Installation, Manufacturing Equipment, and Design Tools. Winners will be recognized at their exhibit booths during OFC. An additional award will be presented to the company whose product receives the most votes overall. For those attending the show, please use the official Attendees' Choice Awards ballot included with the March 2002 issues of Lightwave distributed during OFC. All ballots, when completed, should be dropped off at the Lightwave exhibit booth. (Do not vote with the enclosed Reader Services Card, which is used exclusively for advertising circle numbers.) All voting and counting will be conducted only during OFC using the official ballot.
SYSTEMSWide-reach DWDM systemThe Xtera Nu-Wave Wide Reach DWDM System uses Raman technology to offer single-amp simplicity, with wide-spectrum efficiency. Low first cost of ownership stays at a low loaded cost of ownership for long-distance and regional network operators. With 2.4 Tbits in three bays, the system provides simplicity and efficiency at lower total costs to carriers.Xtera Communications, Allen, TX, NOMINEE NO. SYS 1
Test systemThe IQS-500 Intelligent Test System offers a systems-based approach to optical test and measurement for manufacturing, automation, optical qualification, and R&D by combining powerful features such as hot-swappable modules, platform/module auto-detection, and up to 100-module-control capability. It is compatible with the IQ-200 modules and provides all connectivity standards and tools required for easy integration into any test environment. The IQS-510P control unit features an industrial Pentium III processor, PC peripherals for connectivity and remote control (including RS-232 port and Ethernet), and an optional GPIB interface. With the IQS-510E Expansion Unit, as many as 100 modules can be used. EXFO EO Engineering, Vanier, Quebec, NOMINEE NO. SYS 5
Ethernet phone extender
Ether-Phone is an Ethernet phone extender that can turn a LAN network into a voice network simply by plugging a telephone set into an RJ-45 connector. It is compatible with most PBXs or key systems. Ether-phone is typically used to link or extend dial-up telephone service to remote sites over a LAN network, especially campus, traffic control, or utility substation networks. LAN connections can be via most types of Ethernet devices, including workstation, hubs, routers, bridges, and transceivers.
TC Communications, Irvine, CA,
NOMINEE NO. SYS 9
Dynamic gain equalizerThe POP1020 SmartDGE amplifies weak signals to equalize to the high signals. The design comprises an array of N amplets, which amplify or attenuate the signal peaks. The SmartDGE does not induce additional insertion loss within the network's systems. The response time is <1 msec and equalizes the band flatness at ±0.1 dB. The SmartDGE can operate at the C- or L-bands. The gain's thresholds, alarms, and output powers are set and monitored via RS-232 and SNMP software. DowsLake Microsystems Corp., Ottawa, Ontario, NOMINEE NO. SUB 4
Single-port SOA moduleThe single-port semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) module is a business-card-sized, self-contained module developed for single-channel amplification in the 1310- and 1550-nm bands. It integrates SOA and passive functions. The integrated isolators, in conjunction with a built-in check-and-balance function, guarantee a steady long-term optical gain and provide a health indication of the amplifier module.Axon Photonics, Fremont, CA,NOMINEE NO. SUB 8
SFF optical amplifiers
This new class of small-form-factor optical amplifiers is about half the size of a credit card. Designed for cost reductions in existing C-band optical networks and next-generation systems where size and cost are important. Available in 10- and 15-dBm versions with gain-flattening and electronics as options.
Teem Photonics, Meylan Zirst, France,
NOMINEE NO. SUB 11
Photonic-crossconnect switch
The PXC-80 is an 80-channel MEMS-based photonic crossconnect with a 1.7-dB insertion loss and <12-msec switching time. The real-time optical power monitoring is designed for both input and output channels. The switch also features built-in attenuation and dynamic gain equalization, which translates to savings of component purchases and integration time. The PXC-80 meets Telcordia GR-63, GR1073, and GR3009 reliability standards.
Integrated Micromachines Inc., Monrovia, CA, NOMINEE NO. SUB 12
Intelligent link subsystem
Intelligent Link Subsystem (ILS) is a recognizable network element with an open integration platform, standards-based NMS interfaces, and a variety of plug-and-play amplification and signal-conditioning circuit packs. ILS offers network equipment vendors an unprecedented level of flexibility and expansion capabilities via a complete line of world class EDFA and Raman-amplifier circuit packs as well as a full range of signal-conditioning circuit packs, including dynamic gain equalization, dynamic dispersion compensation, and dynamic channel attenuation. Circuit packs can be mixed and matched to create application-specific systems that address service-provider customized requirements faster and cost-effectively.
BTI Photonics Inc., Ottawa, Ontario,
NOMINEE NO. SUB 13
All-optical switchesThe Free-X all-optical switches are designed for the rigorous demands of the telecommunications market. These switches enable practical and cost-effective all-optical switching for a wide variety of applications. The switches utilize solid free-space (SFS) technology and offer a variety of switching speeds, simultaneous operation over C- and L-bands, optical broadcast/weighted multicast, embedded variable optical attenuator, configuration flexibility, high reliability, and no dark time. It is also environmentally hardened and operational under high optical input power.Civcom Inc., Petach Tikva, Israel, NOMINEE NO. COMP 3
External-cavity lasers
The Apollo line of high-powered (20-mW), widely tunable external-cavity lasers includes high-powered C- and L-band devices. The ability to deliver these high-power tunable devices provides an increase in spectral coverage, allowing an increase in channel count and network capacity. In addition, the full-band tunability facilitates true optical-networking transparency, enabling an intelligent, dynamic, flexible, and cost-effective network architecture, allowing service providers to realize the full economic value of their installed fiber plant.
Iolon Inc., San Jose, CA, NOMINEE NO. COMP 5
Laser modulatorThe 1945 LMM is a 10-Gbit/sec electro-absorption laser modulator with integrated wavelength locker. It is designed for DWDM transmissions up to 80 km on singlemode fiber, and the wavelength stability of ±20 pm is compatible with channel spacing down to 50 GHz.Alcatel Optronics, Nozay, France, NOMINEE NO. COMP 8
Channel equalizerThe Dynamic Channel Equalizer (DCE) exploits planar lightwave circuits on indium phosphide, offering breakthrough functionality in an extremely small footprint. Initially designed for 100-GHz DWDM, it provides the ability to selectively adjust all channels individually, allowing for channel balancing, pre-emphasis, and power loading control within reconfigurable networks. In addition, the product simultaneously provides optical power monitoring, eliminating the requirement for a separate optical-channel monitor. Primarily designed for mid-span amplifier access deployment, the DCE offers low control power per channel and a footprint facilitating direct integration into the amplifier module.Metro Photonics Inc., Ottawa, Ontario, NOMINEE NO. COMP 10
Detector/converter
The AD8304 is a micro-miniature logarithmic detector/converter IC-optimized for the measurement of optical power in fiber-optic supervisory systems. It features performance specifications of 160-dB electrical (80-dB optical) dynamic range and 0.1-dB accuracy. The product includes a patent-pending adaptive photodiode bias circuit, which enables optimized photodiode performance over the entire operating range. This true IC implementation offers optical-network designers a single IC that can address their optical measurement needs. The product applies to optical switches, optical amplifiers, add/drop multiplexers, and most other optical-system elements.
Analog Devices Inc., Norwood, MA, NOMINEE NO. COMP 16
Fiber arrays
Fiber arrays and Vbloc intelligent solutions for integrated optics interconnection are used to connect fibers with a variety of active components, including splitters, WDM circuits and switches, or any arrays of active components. The products benefit from proven silicon wet-etching technology and expertise in assemblies. Products include one-way fiber array up to 48 ways with 250-micron pitch, angle, or straight polished; higher-density fiber array with 127-micron pitch for high fiber counts; and connectorized fiber arrays with high-performance connectors or multichannel MPO/MPX connectors.
Radiall, Cedex, France, NOMINEE NO. COMP 18
TNT fiber-optic patch cords
A complete line of fiber-optic patch cords is available with various connector combinations. SC, ST, MT-RJ, LC, MU, FC are available in five differrent color cords in both singlemode and multimode assemblies. Stocking inventory with quick lead-time for custom lengths and custom configurations.
Tri-Net Technology Inc., Walnut, CA, NOMINEE NO. COMP 28
980-nm LD module
The 98CX series module's design is simple and offers an output of 30-90 mW. In addition, the module can operate in a wide range of coolerless operations (-5 to +70°C) and uses a robust four-pin coaxial package with chip and module technology based on that used for submarine laser diodes. It delivers reliable, economical EDFA pump source for citywide/local networks, cable television, and more.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corp., Tokyo, NOMINEE NO. COMP 41
50-micron MMF
The MaxCap 300 850-nm laser-optimized 50-micron multimode fiber (MMF) is for 300-m applications. The fiber fully supports 850-nm (SX) serial 10-Gbit/sec applications over 300 m. An effective modal bandwidth of 2,000 MHz-km at 850 nm under laser launch is ensured by means of 850-nm DMD specification. The MMF offers a smooth, low-cost migration path for premises backbone cabling from 10 Mbits/sec up to 10 Gbits/sec over 300 m.
Draka Comteq, Eindhoven, Netherlands, NOMINEE NO. COMP 69
Fiber inspection video microscope
The FT400 FiberInspector video microscope allows users to inspect terminated fiber through bulkhead adapters at the front of the panel, eliminating the need to access the backside of panels or disassemble hardware devices before inspection. Instead of removing each individual fiber, users need only insert the video probe to inspect the fiber while it's still in place. FiberInspector never touches the termination, so the risk of contamination is reduced. The display allows users to view a fiber endface without looking directly into the fiber to prevent any harmful infrared lights from reaching the eye.
Fluke Networks Inc., Everett, WA, NOMINEE NO. TEST 5
Chromatic dispersion test set
The CHROMOS11 optical-network chromatic dispersion (CD) analyzer is designed specifically for use with installed high-capacity DWDM transmission systems. That includes networks with integral EDFAs. This system allows measurement of end-to-end CD and PMD of both repeaterless and line amplified systems with minimum disruption. It features C- and L-band coverage, high dynamic range, and operation at low optical signal-to-noise levels.
Perkin Elmer, San Ramon, CA, NOMINEE NO. TEST 6
Handheld test set
The handheld SunSet 10G tests the core network at bit rates up to 10 Gbits/sec. Its 4-lb weight and battery operation combine for true portability. The test set supports SONET/SDH network testing at OC-3/STM-1 to OC-192/STM-64 as well as multiple interface configurations. It is in compliance with ANSI, Telcordia, and ITU-T standards. Advanced analysis features monitor pointer movements, perform pointer test sequences per ITU-T G.783, and measure APS timing in the network. Comprehensive error performance and analysis are also included. Multiple test results are displayed simultaneously on the large, multiwindow, colored display.
Sunrise Telecom, San Jose, CA, NOMINEE NO. TEST 9
Data analyzer
The MD1230A is a portable Ethernet/IP network data analyzer that combines performance analysis and network monitoring in a single instrument. Featuring modular architecture with built-in LCD display and intuitive GUI, it offers various interface modules-10/100-Mbit/sec, Gigabit Ethernet, 2.5-Gbit/sec, and 10-Gbit/sec packet over SONET. Multiple analyzers can be combined, and the multiple-user function is supported. The MD1230A can conduct network performance analysis, quality-of-service evaluations, and real-time measurements of in-service traffic. The analyzer is integrated with traffic generation, Layer 2-4 protocol emulation, and protocol capture and decode functions. It can also conduct RFC 2544 automatic benchmark testing and remote latency measurements.
Anritsu Co., Richardson, TX, NOMINEE NO. TEST 14
Passive-component test solution
TUNICS-Evolution is a high-performance compact solution for passive optical-component characterization empowering engineers to achieve fast and accurate measurements to validate designs and ensure product quality. Integrating a sweeping ASE-free tunable-laser source and two optical-power meters into one single mainframe, it provides state-of-the-art performance particularly suited for DWDM narrowband filter characterization. Different models cover the E-, S-, C- and L-bands and feature +/-3-pm wavelength accuracy and +/-0.05-dB accuracy. WALICS-Sweeper can operate in sweeping mode during final testing and is able to operate at a fixed wavelength for in-process alignment.
NetTest, Les Clayes sous Bois, France, NOMINEE NO. TEST 15
Terminations management
FiberExpress Manager is a modular ensemble that facilitates management of large numbers of high-density in-building terminations. It allows up to 1,920 singlemode- or multimode-fiber terminations in a single rack and adapts to most connectors. The manager is offered in conventional-style or preterminated solutions and with a release mechanism of the connector module for patch-cord ease-of-management.
NORDX/CDT, Quebec, NOMINEE NO. INSTL 1
Connector cleaning system
The FieldMaster connector cleaning system cleans 8,900 connectors with a single roll of microfiber tape and can handle more connectors if multiple wipes per refresh are used. It cleans 2.5-mm, 1.25-mm, and MT-type ferrules (without pins) with a single straight or circular wipe. FieldMaster is suitable for handheld or benchtop one-handed use, no chemicals or power source are required. The system is dust sealed and has a ground strap connection for static sensitive environments. It is available in stainless steel or aluminum.
REALM Communications Group Inc., San Jose, CA, NOMINEE NO. INSTL 7
Epoxy bonding solution
The NanoBonder EBS solution for epoxy bonding provides photonics manufacturers with tightly integrated standard solutions for assembly, alignment, bonding, and inline testing of a variety of active and passive photonics devices. The platform's industrial design is built around factory-proven alignment, bonding, assembly, and control technologies to ensure maximum uptime of the epoxy bonding process. Ergonomic design ensures ease of access for maintenance and material handling, minimizes work-related injuries, and improves operator performance. This scalable platform can be configured with automatic part gapping, part clocking, dispensing, and integrated UV or thermal cure.
Adept Technology Inc., Livermore, CA, NOMINEE NO. MFG 4
Assembly-process pen
MicroPen improves fluid control and minimizes waste in critical fiber-optic assembly processes where precise amounts of two-part epoxies, UV-cure adhesives, and other expensive assembly fluids are required. Used with a timed-pulse dispenser, it produces consistent micro-deposits as small as 0.004 inch in diameter, without the costly waste associated with 1-cc syringes or user-rigged application tools. MicroPen features a disposable reservoir tip, whose 0.25-cc capacity reduces adhesive waste and production costs by allowing expensive adhesives to be mixed in small batches and consumed before pot-life expires. Silicone-free reservoir tips are available with 30-, 32-, or 33-gauge dispensing needles and block UV wavelengths between 280 and 390 nm.
EFD Inc., East Providence, NOMINEE NO. MFG 7
Fiber prep and fusion splicing
The Presta fully automated fiber prep and fusion splicing integrates fiber prep and fusion splicing into one continuous, inline process intended to boost throughput and yield while reducing labor costs. The system strips, cleans, cleaves, splices, re-coats and proof-tests up to 40 fibers in a single pass in just one minute per splice with no operator intervention, replacing up to 15 operators as well as all the associated benchtop prep and splicing tools.
kSaria Corp., Wilmington, MA, NOMINEE NO. MFG 8
Automated system
The FAST60 turnkey manufacturing system fully automates the difficult task of aligning, testing, and pigtailing double-ended planar waveguides. Designed for the demands of production use, the system is based on dual Axsys FAST6 six-axis fiber-alignment systems that feature programmable virtual pivotpoint, multichannel active alignment, and channel-balancing algorithms. Configurable subsystems for coarse and fine alignment, machine vision control, epoxy dispense and cure, and integrated photonic test measurement allow the FAST60 to be rapidly configured to the specific requirements of any planar device.
Axsys Technologies Inc., Pittsburgh, NOMINEE NO. MFG 10
Design ring
DesignIQ Ring with DWDM reduces network planning and designing time from days to minutes. The product opens new revenue channels by allowing carriers to align service revenue with network costs to maximize profit. The product also shortens the sales cycle for OEMs and increases productive selling time. Sales professionals can test alternative network design scenarios and immediately provide customers with an inventory of needed equipment and an on-the-spot estimate. Network designers can graphically view the traffic routes on the network while testing various options. DesignIQ Ring with DWDM incorporates emerging metro services and supports SONET linear restoration and SONET 1+1 path protection.
Teloptica Inc., Richardson, TX, NOMINEE NO. DES 1
Multilayer design environment
Network Design Environment is an integrated multilayer design solution supporting access, metro, and transport network design. It is one solution for network modeling and simulation, encompassing all layers from application to physical-HTTP, IP, ATM, MPLS, SDH/SONET, DWDM. OptSIM (for optical transmission systems and network design), Artifex (for network technology design), and Artis Network Designer (for network planning) provide a flexible design approach, interoperable logical and physical modeling and simulation, cross-validation of network service impact over DWDM networks, and compelling virtual prototypes for equipment marketing.
Artis, San Jose, CA, NOMINEE NO. DES 2
Optical communications system
The OptiSystem 2.0 optical communications system is for the design, testing, and optimization of any type of optical link in the physical layer of a broad spectrum of optical networks, from analog video broadcasting systems to intercontinental backbones. A system-level simulator based on the realistic modeling of fiber communications systems, it has a simulation environment and a hierarchical definition of components and systems. Its capabilities can be extended with the addition of user components and seamless interfaces to a range of tools. OptiSystem 2.0 includes various enhancements, such as an expanded component library, and new path creation and path tracing tools.
Optiwave Corp., Ottawa, Ontario, NOMINEE NO. DES 3
Design, simulation tool
FullWAVE 2.0 design and simulation tool is for ongoing development of the most complex photonic technologies, including photonic bandgap structures. Using the Finite Difference Time Domain method to calculate a rigorous solution to Maxwell's equations, the product makes it possible to produce photonic-crystal designs that shrink the size of multicomponent, planar, photonic ICs from centimeters to microns. It can be integrated with and shares the graphical user interface of BeamPROP CAD and simulation program. Cluster computing capability has been recently added to FullWAVE, allowing for distributed processing requirements across a network and simulation of large structures.
RSoft Design Tools Inc., Ossining, NY, NOMINEE NO. DES 4