Alcatel Optronics today extended its compact optical amplifier range with what it claims is the first dual booster amplifier, the Alcatel 1926 MAM. Dedicated to optical cross-connects, metropolitan and access links, this new high performance subsystem contains two single-channel Erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) in one single package (100 x 90 x 12.7 mm3), yielding a 30% footprint reduction compared to two compact EDFAs. It improves equipment density and integration time at the system level, while reducing manufacturing and operating costs, say company representatives.
In today's market, system manufacturers need to offer optimized systems in terms of size and cost to their customers-operators. Because optical cross-connects, metropolitan rings, and access networks use amplifiers more and more often, Alcatel Optronics offers the integration of several discrete EDFAs (2, 4, 6, or 8) in one single package to save space and cost and to simplify on-board assembly. These multi-EDFAs are usable wherever port density is critical.
"With this first-to-market dual amplifier, Alcatel Optronics is moving ahead in multi-function integration, responding to customer size and cost reduction requirements," explains Philippe Bregi, chief operating officer of Alcatel Optronics. "The solution we offer today specifically addresses system architectures with a high concentration of discrete EDFAs. These modular, easy-to-use and high performance multi-EDFAs contribute to reduce the total cost of ownership."
The dual Erbium-doped fiber amplifier Alcatel 1926 MAM is available in a configuration able to reach +17-dBm (50-mW) optical output power in the C-band (1530-1565 nm). Although the 2 EDFAs are in the same package, each EDFA function is independent, each one using an internal 980-nm pump module. These in-house manufactured pump modules maintain the amplifier's low optical noise figure, typically < 5 dB for an optical input power of -6 dBm. Its low electrical consumption, less than 9 watts typically, is particularly attractive to system manufacturers. Moreover, the Alcatel 1926 MAM improves fiber management by arranging all fiber pigtails on the same side of the package, explains the company. Customized versions are available to further reduce integration time at the system level.
For more information about Alcatel Optronics (Paris), visit the company's Web site at www.alcatel.com/optronics.