JANUARY 11, 2007 -- Firecomms (search for Firecomms) has announced that its Fast Ethernet fiber-optic transceiver technology is now available in a low-cost housing that provides instant termination of bare plastic optical fiber (search for POF). The new POF port, called OptoLock, significantly quickens and simplifies the connection of devices in communications and infotainment networks, say company representatives.
Incorporating Firecomms' EDL300 transceivers, OptoLock is ideal for 100-Mbit Ethernet applications with stringent quality-of-service (QoS) requirements such as IPTV gateways, set-top boxes, and hubs, explains the company. The design of OptoLock enables the fiber to be cut and terminated to the exact required length on site, allowing even novice consumers to quickly and easily terminate the bare optical fiber.
"OptoLock gives OEMs a low-cost interface for high-volume optical fiber applications," contends Firecomms CEO Declan O'Mahoney. "With this device, all the advantages of optical fiber can be brought into the home with do-it-yourself simplicity and costs. The benefits of this simple, robust high-speed interface will be significant as high-speed services like 100-Mbit IPTV are delivered into the home," he adds.
OptoLock is mechanically and electrically interchangeable with SMI (Small Media Interface) connectors enabled by Firecomms' widely-used EDL300 transceivers.
Firecomms leads the development of devices to drive POF, a low-cost optical alternative to copper cabling. Due to its ease of use, large core tolerances, and low costs, POF is enjoying significant growth in a range of applications, report Firecomms representatives. POF is rapidly gaining ground in home network and point-to-point interconnection.
Volume shipments of the transceiver will begin this month.
Visit Firecomms Ltd.