Infineon Technologies licenses Parallel-Optical-Link (PAROLI) modules to Molex, creating second source for high-performance fiber optic data link
Source: Infineon
Munich, Germany. Infineon Technologies (FSE/NYSE: IFX) today announced it has licensed its innovative, 12-channel parallel-optical-link (PAROLI®), module technology to Molex Incorporated. The agreement, which establishes a second source for the fiber optic data link modules, extends Infineon s commitment to support the fast growing worldwide market for high-performance fiber optic system components.
The licensing agreement gives Molex the right to manufacture, market, and sell PAROLI modules, which are used to connect telecommunications and data communications components and equipment, for board-to-board or rack-to-rack applications.
"The latest generations of computer and networking systems demand both higher speed and a greater number of high-speed communications links for transferring data over large distances. Since transfer rates and transmission distances on copper-based cables are limited, fiber optic connectivity is the ideal solution. Infineon s PAROLI®-technology, which bundles 12 optical fiber channels into a single module, has been positively received by our OEM customers, but many of these companies are concerned about second source availability to meet market demands," explained Dag Neumeuer, Vice President, Fiber Optics, at Infineon Technologies AG. "Now that we have concluded our licensing agreement with Molex, compatible products are available from two of the industry s leading suppliers."
Tony Dorin, Director of Marketing for Molex Fiber Optics, adds, "We chose PAROLI as it is the only proven technology for high speed parallel array optical links. The market for parallel optical components is projected to explode over the next few years. Molex is coming on board with added capacity to service this demand. Further we will provide a completely compatible drop in product so there will be truly two sources."
The PAROLI product family includes a line of (asynchronous) AC and (synchronous) DC transceiver modules for parallel data transmission on fiber optic cables. Using 12-channel ribbon cables and 12-channel Simplex MT-connectors (SMC), the AC-modules support data rates of up to 2.5 Gbit/s per channel, achieving total transfer rates of 30 Gbit/s. The DC-modules have 11 optical data-transfer channels, at 1.25 Gbit/s, along with a clock channel, achieving a total throughput of up to 14 Gbit/s.
The PAROLI modules operate at a low power supply voltage of 3.3 V. All electrical I/O signals are compatible with the Low-Voltage Differential-Signal (LVDS) standard. These modules employ VCSEL (Vertical Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) technology, operating at a wavelength of 840 nm for the transmitters and 840-nm PIN-diode arrays for the receivers. This allows transmission distances ranging up to 300 meters for the AC designs and up to 70 meters for the DC.
About Infineon
Infineon Technologies AG, Munich, Germany, offers semiconductor solutions for applications in the wireless and wired communications markets, for the automotive and industrial sectors, for security systems and chip cards as well as memory products. With a global presence, Infineon operates in the US from San Jose, CA, and in the Asia-Pacific region from Singapore. In the fiscal year 1999 (ending September), the company achieved sales of Euro 4.24 billion (US $ 4.51 billion) with about 26,000 employees worldwide. Infineon is listed on the DAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX). Further information is available at www.infineon.com.
About Molex
Molex Incorporated is a 62 year old leading global manufacturer of electronic, electrical and fiber optic interconnection products and systems; switches; value-added assemblies; and applications tooling. Based in Lisle, Illinois, USA, the company operates 52 manufacturing facilities in 21 countries and employs approximately 17,650 people world-wide. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, revenues were $2.2 billion. Molex (MOLX) is traded on the NASDAQ exchange in the United States, on the London Stock Exchange, and is included in the S&P 500 Index (www.molex.com).
Contact:
Infineon Technologies AG Worldwide Headquarters: Günter Gaugler Tel:/Fax: +49 89 234 28481/28482 guenter.gaugler@infineon.com or U.S.A.: Chris Goodhart Tel:/Fax: +1 408 501 6389/2424 Chris.goodhart@infineon.com or Asia: Kaye Lim Tel:/Fax: +65 8400 689/7433-875 kaye.lim@infineon.com
Infineon Technologies AG
Worldwide Headquarters:
Günter Gaugler
Tel:/Fax: +49 89 234 28481/28482
guenter.gaugler@infineon.com
or
U.S.A.: Chris Goodhart
Tel:/Fax: +1 408 501 6389/2424
Chris.goodhart@infineon.com
or
Asia:
Kaye Lim
Tel:/Fax: +65 8400 689/7433-875
kaye.lim@infineon.com
E-mail: kaye.lim@infineon.com
Web site: http://www.molex.com
