15 November 2002 -- Lightconnect has launched an eight-channel variable optical attenuator (VOA) module. Applications include power control and equalisation, receiver protection, channel on/off switching, mux/demux and OADM modules.
Designed with an industry-common 50 x 53 mm footprint, 12-pin header and 5 or 15-volt electrical drive, the Lightconnect MEMS VOA module provides network system suppliers with the flexibility to interchange VOA modules from multiple vendors without altering their PC board designs
"At a time when even large established suppliers cannot be trusted to provide a reliable source of optical components, OEMs are at an extreme risk if they don't buy from multiple component vendors," said Yves Le Maitre, Vice President of Marketing at Lightconnect. "As a stable and well-funded company, we offer a compact module that provides assurance of supply without the extra burden of multiple board designs."
Lightconnect's VOA module consists of eight VOAs based on the company's proprietary MEMS technology, providing industry-leading optical performance. It features low insertion loss, polarisation dependent loss and power consumption. In addition, the VOAs demonstrate excellent repeatability and low hysteresis, unlike shutter-MEMS VOAs.
The VOA module, which exceeds Telcordia GR-1312 requirements for reliability and stability, is priced below USD3000 for volume sales.