2007 ECOC Product Showcase

GaAs-based photodiode
PDCS70T-GS is a GaAs-based photodiode optimised for datacom and telecom applications up to 12 Gbit/s. It has an optical aperture with a diameter of 70 μm, allowing easy coupling to multimode fibres. The photodiode has a capacitance below 240 fF at a bias of only 1.5 V, and offers high responsivity of 0.6 A/W in the wavelength region from 830 to 860 nm.

The FABR-57J5APZ optical transceiver will be introduced at ECOC. With high-speed serial links over multimode optical fibre at signaling rates up to 3.072 Gbit/s (OBSAI/CPRI standard), the transceiver supports temperature ranges from -40° to +85°C with link distances of 500 m over OM3 grade fibre. A new product line for the base station market will include multimode and singlemode optical transceivers.

The Bookham 980-nm pump laser module delivers a “kink-free” power output of 750 mW. The new module, part of the LC96 portfolio, is a key component of next-generation erbium-doped fibre amplifiers (EDFAs). The increased output power of the module enables significant cost reductions in terrestrial legacy systems by reducing the number of pumps required. Similar technology from the company is being deployed in next-generation submarine applications requiring high power and extremely high reliability.

CompoTRON GmbH has partnered with AC Photonics Inc. to expand its product line of discrete components. Passive optical components in the portfolio include polarisation-maintaining (PM) and polarisation-insensitive offerings such as isolators, couplers, splitters, circulators, and collimators. Optomechanical PM switches, beam combiners, patch cords, attenuators, PIN/TAP photodiodes, Faraday mirrors, fibre mirror reflectors, and microlenses are also available. All products are available in a variety of packaging options, wavelength ranges, pigtail styles, fibre types, connector options, and performance grading.

FutureGuide SR7.5 fibre has a minimum bend radius of 7.5 mm. In a MageTsuyo SR7.5 patch cord, the fibre is flexible and highly durable: When twisted or bent, the fibre returns to its original condition without any deformation or marking on the sheath. With the ability to be manipulated in the same way as electrical or telephone cable, the fibre can be used to deliver high-bandwidth communications directly into the home or office environment.

Fujikura Europe Ltd., www.fujikura.co.uk

The G8931-04 indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) photodiode receiver offers higher sensitivity than conventional InGaAs PIN photodiodes. Its high speed (typical 4 GHz) and sensitivity make it suitable for long-distance optical communications applications. At wavelengths of 1,310 and 1,550 nm, the diode has typical photo sensitivity greater than 0.8 A/W and can operate with an avalanche gain of ≥10, resulting in an output of at least 8 A/W. The device’s low capacitance (typically 0.35 pF) enables operation with industry-standard ICs and simplifies high-speed circuit design.

The “i-mics-coherent-2x4” has been designed as a universal reader of next-generation optical formats: QaM16, DPSK, and DQPSK. According to the company, it is the only device able to detect all the temporal phase of a modulated signal. It performs four interferences between the modulated signal and a local oscillator with 90° phase steps to compute absolute phase and amplitude of the signal. Phase difference, power difference, and synchronization between ports (0.1 ps) are the key parameters.

Kylia, www.kylia.com

The next-generation LU0977M250-2002F41A uncooled pump laser modules for EDFAs provide up to 275 mW of kink-free power. The uncooled operation greatly reduces the total power consumption of the pump laser module. The module uses the small Mini-DIL footprint of just 7×13 mm with a maximum height of 5 mm.

The NTL2000 widely tunable laser offers reliable performance for 10 and 40 Gbit/s applications. Its narrow linewidth, low noise, and high SMSR are well suited for 40 Gbit systems. The ultrawide tuning range of up to 80 nm covers the C, L, C+, XL, and C+L bands in a single laser, and fast tuning speed supports emerging dynamic systems. The NTL2000 is available in a butterfly package and in the industry standard integrated tunable laser assembly (ITLA).

Pirelli’s tunable products include full L-band coverage (40 nm/100 channels). At the core of the portfolio is the DTL tunable laser, delivering built-in reliability, simplified network configurations, and reduced system costs. The ITLA allows operators to integrate tunability into the network while reducing development costs and time-to-market. For further integration, the 300-pin MSA transponders available in non-return to zero (NRZ), negative-chirp NRZ, and duobinary formats extend network reach to 350+ km.

Fibre-optic rotary joints for singlemode and multimode fibres are pressure-compensated for submarine applications. Two versions are available: a fluid-filled and pressure-compensated system up to 6,000 psi/400 bar, and a pressure-tight system including dynamic seals for dry use up to 3,000 psi/200 bar. The systems can support from four to 21 optical channels, with transmission rates greater than 10 Gbit/s at 100 rpm and less than 3.5-dB insertion loss.

SCHLEIFRING und Apparatebau GmbH, www.schleifring.com

WTD’s GPON product portfolio includes both an SFF diplexer and a 2×2-inch triplexer for the optical network terminal (ONT) side and SFF or SFP for the optical line terminal (OLT) side. The devices are compliant with ITU-T G.984.2 Class B+ and can offer 28-dB power budget and 20-dB dynamic range. The triplexer module is suitable for FTTP networks providing triple-play services. All GPON transceivers can support Digital Diagnostics Monitoring and work in the industrial temperature range.

Optical channel monitor
The optical channel monitor (OCM) product line is suitable for OEMs looking to achieve the necessary cost targets for embedded DWDM monitoring for reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexing (ROADM), multihaul, and third-party wavelength applications. The OCM is designed using proprietary tunable thin-film filters. This approach provides the ultrahigh reliability of a nonmechanical and monolithic semiconductor.

An optical 10 Gbit/s transmitter, which generates differential phase-shift keyed (DPSK) and on/off keyed (OOK) signals, includes a wide tuning range, pulse-pattern generator, and optical Mach-Zehnder modulators with corresponding driver amplifiers. The transmitter allows users to choose between NRZ-OOK, RZ-OOK, NRZ-DPSK, and RZ-DPSK. The device supports data rates up to 12.5 Gbit/s and provides a tuning range of 1,528 to 1,567 nm.

The ClearSpectrum static dispersion compensator product suite features the DCMX, a passive low-insertion-loss module that allows system vendors to save on amplification costs for in-line applications, as well as the DCX, a compact athermal FBG package. Tunable offerings include the TDC, an OEM tunable dispersion compensator, and the TDCM, a complete tunable dispersion compensation module that includes an optical circulator and electronic control.

POF-based video transmission system
The VIDA 300 is the latest release of Luceat’s plastic optical fibre (POF)-based video transmission system. VIDA works with any analogue CCTV camera to transmit video signals over long distances (up to 300 m). Suitable for CCTV, video surveillance, monitoring of industrial processes, and vision systems, it couples the smallest cable size with EMI immunity, 30-s cable termination, and competitive pricing.

Handheld OTDR
The new Noyes OFL250, a singlemode handheld optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR), features an integrated optical power meter (OPM), laser source (OLS), and visual fault locator (VFL) in a configuration weighing only 0.8 kg (1.7 lb). With short dead zone and mid-range dynamic range performance, the OFL250 is well suited for testing optical fibres in service provider metro areas and FTTX networks. The OTDR supports automatic and manual setup, precision event analysis, and multiple-wavelength testing; it also features 12-hr battery life, internal data storage, and USB connectivity.

The N7788A optical component analyser uses proprietary technology that advances Jones-Matrix-Eigenanalysis (JME), which is the standard method for measuring polarisation-mode dispersion (PMD) or differential group delay (DGD) of optical devices. The analyser significantly reduces test time for a comprehensive characterisation of optical components on manufacturing floors and R&D labs.

The N4917A optical receiver stress test system enables repeatable and complete optical receiver stress testing for receive optical subassemblies (ROSAs) and transceiver modules that operate at up to 12.5 Gbit/s. Engineers can now reduce programming and setup time. Calibrated and complete optical jitter and stress injection is possible with the reference transmitter, software, and filter sets in combination with the J-BERT N4903A high-performance serial bit-error-rate tester (BERT) and 86100C Infiniium DCA-J.

The POD-101D high-speed DSP in-line polarimeter measures the instantaneous state of polarisation (SOP) and degree of polarisation (DOP) of an input light beam at a sampling rate of up to 625 kilosamples/s. High analogue bandwidth (up to 1 MHz) or high sensitivity (-40 dBm) options are available. The PolaView software displays polarisation state either on a Poincaré sphere window for viewing SOP traces or on an oscilloscope window for tracking polarisation changes over time.

The 920XC OTDR is used by technicians installing and maintaining fibre for cable acceptance testing and fault locating. It performs measuring loss and distance to all events on the fibre span (connectors and splices) as well as span loss. All measurement results can be transferred to a PC for documentation of cable acceptance testing. For fault locating, the OTDR’s AutoTest mode enables the user to connect the fibre and automatically get the distance to the fibre fault.

The FiberCHECK can work in either continuous wave or blinking mode. With this device, breaks or imperfections in optical singlemode and multimode fibres can be quickly detected up to a distance of 3 km. It can also be used to locate single fibres inside fibre bundles. This handy, robust device is suitable for all optical fibre connectors with a 2.5- or 1.25-mm ferrule diameter.

The X-Bert is a new, low-cost, and space-saving production testing and field application engineering device. The modular slot design houses up to five BER modules in one 19-inch/2 frame and up to eight modules in one 19-inch frame, using optical or electrical modules.

Luceo Technologies GmbH, www.luceotec.com

A new fibre-optic fault finder (FOFF) is now available for detecting and pinpointing the locations of breaks, bends, and other problems in fibre-optic cables. The FOFF is an inexpensive OTDR-type device for continuous monitoring of fibre-optic network health, combining powerful fault detection and communication capabilities in a compact package. Remote access capability allows secure monitoring of network operating conditions using a smart phone, PDA, or computer from virtually anywhere.

The Polatis VST is a combined variable optical attenuator (VOA) and power meter switch tray. The VST is the first in a new class of integrated optical switching systems combining switching, attenuation, and power monitoring all in a single, compact package. The device provides physical-layer connectivity for equipment sharing of high-value test gear and automation of test sequences for manufacturing systems, maximising equipment utilisation and productivity. Its instrument-grade performance ensures fast, accurate, and repeatable measurements in an automated test environment.

FiBO 300 makes interferometry easy, affordable, and portable. The vibration-insensitive, true phase-shifting Michelson design for 3D/2D fibre surface mapping and microscope inspection features three variable magnification settings (1.8X to 20X) to display single/multimode 125-to-700-µm fibre connectors at optimum resolution. Kinematic adapters ensure exact positioning without tedious adjustment when switching samples. Autofocus, high-contrast images, a large 3D viewer, area-of-interest masking, FiBO Code software, modifiable test parameters, and flexible data reports are all provided in a pocket-sized device.

PROMET International Inc., www.promet.net

The OTF-950 tunable filter provides an adjustable bandwidth from 0.28 to 6.0 nm over the entire tuning range from 1,530 to 1,570 nm. The filter is particularly suited to R&D and production testing of transmission systems with the flexibility to accommodate 10, 40, and 160 Gbit/s transmission signals with one filter. The profile is flat-top shaped with high isolation and low loss. A GPIB interface with LabView drivers is standard.

The PM300 Series dual-channel optical power meter allows direct ratio or differential measurements for comparing the optical power of two beams. The device can use conventional photodiodes as sensors for specialised measurements. It is compatible with all Thorlabs photodiode and thermopile power meter sensors. An additional BNC output is gain- and function-programmable and provides an analogue voltage proportional to the output of one of the channels, or their difference, or ratio. The measurement resolution is 16 bits for all power ranges. The PM300 can be controlled via USB 2.0.

The WS40, a fast tunable filter adapted for 40 Gbit/s testing, has a tuning range of 90 nm over both the C and L bands from 1,525 to 1,615 nm. Its FWHM is selectable from 0.3 to 1.0 nm, allowing the customer to determine optimum filtering bandwidth. Tuning speed between arbitrary wavelengths is typically 40 ms. The PC-based platform of the filter is interfaced through a touchscreen with intuitive software. Remote control is provided via GigaEthernet (RJ-45), RS-232, and USB.

FTTX/PON training CD-ROM
This new FTTX/PON computer-based training CD-ROM was developed for those designing, planning, or installing FTTX networks. The CBT allows users to learn at their own pace and features selectable chapters and interactive design exercises. Other topics include the evolution of FTTX/PON; recommendations and standards, such as GPON/GEPON; variations and architectures; WDM and switching technologies; testing and troubleshooting the ODN; OSP challenges and options; and business issues.

OptiBPM is a comprehensive CAD environment used for the design of complex optical waveguides. Based on the beam propagation method (BPM) of simulating light passage through any waveguide medium, the tool allows designers to observe computer-simulated light field distribution and examine the radiation and the guided field, simultaneously. Version 9.0 incorporates generalised electrodes, a streamlined interface with ZEMAX design software, and slanted wall waveguide profiles.

OptSim 4.7 is the latest release of RSoft’s optical communication system design tool. New features include an advanced DFE/FFE EDC model with automatic coefficient calculation based on MMSE criterion, suitable for designing systems deploying EDC-based receivers such as multimode 10GBase-LRM and singlemode ITU G.959.1. New precoder and BER models for DQPSK modulation makes OptSim 4.7 a suitable framework to study next-generation high-speed DQPSK systems as a serial option for 100-Gigabit Ethernet.

RSoft Design Group, www.rsoftdesign.com