Agere Systems Introduces New 10 Gbit/s Optical Networking Products
First 10 Gigabit-Per-Second Integrated Laser, Modulator And Driver For 80 Kilometer Optical Network Spans
Allentown, PA. Agere Systems (NYSE: AGR.A) has introduced what it describes as the industry s first 10 gigabit-per-second (Gbit/s) electroabsorptive modulated laser (EML) to add an internal laser driver and operate over a distance of 80 kilometers. This device gives systems manufacturers the reach and integration necessary to reduce cost and improve performance in optical networking systems.
The E2581-series EML combines a continuous wave laser with an electroabsorptive modulator on the same chip, then adds an integral driver IC for improved transmission performance. The device is designed for use in SONET/SDH or dense wavelength division multiplexed optical networking equipment with applications in both long-haul and metropolitan areas.
"Eighty kilometers is a critical link length for both long haul and metro systems designers," said Erin Byrne, senior product manager in Agere s Optical Core Networks division. "Agere s new integrated EML offers excellent performance over this length, using pulse compression to compensate for the dispersion limitations of single mode fiber at that distance."
The device features a 10 decibel-or-greater RF extinction ratio, which measures the difference in power when the laser light is modulated "on" or "off," as well as a dispersion penalty of less than 2.0 decibels over 80 kilometers of standard single-mode fiber. These parameters offer improved performance for transmission signals traveling across a long optical span, where light beams are more apt to scatter.
"These integrated lasers are critical devices used in Agere s 10 Gbit/s transponders as well," said Ron Hartmayer, marketing director in Agere s Transport division. "The E2581 will enable next-generation transponders to target longer reach applications -- typically addressed with multiple discrete optoelectronic and IC components -- while maintaining the same power consumption, size and cost as our shorter reach transponder products."
Integrating the laser driver IC with the EML gives the device optimum RF performance by shortening the distance between the driver chip and the modulator. The EML s compact size and integrated architecture offer significant benefits over external modulators and drivers, which are often bulkier and more expensive. This product saves on board space and simplifies manufacturing for systems makers, who can order three parts in one.
The E2581 is wavelength-selectable to ITU-T standards covering the entire C-band wavelength range of 1530-1562 nanometers. The device requires an input voltage of 0.5 to 1.0 volts peak-to-peak and offers a wide operating temperature range of -10 to +70 degrees Celsius. The package also contains a thermoelectric cooler, thermistor, rear facet monitor photodiode and optical isolator. Sample quantities of the E2581 are now available, with production quantities expected by the end of 2001.
New 10/20/40 mW DFB lasers with Integrated Wavelength Lockers
Agere also introduced new high-power distributed feedback (DFB) laser modules with integrated wavelength lockers for use in high-speed optical networking systems. Featuring wavelength selection and locking capabilities, these new lasers provide increased functionality and reduce fiber management complexity and board space requirements for system makers designing optical equipment for long-haul and ultra-long-haul applications.
Available in 10-, 20- and 40-milliwatt (mW) configurations, the laser modules are ideally suited for use with external lithium niobate modulators to send transmission signals across 10- and 40 Gbit/s optical networks. These laser modules eliminate the need for an external wavelength locker, so that the fiber coming out of the laser module needs only to be connected to the modulator.
"Agere s new DFB lasers offer the perfect solution for system designers looking to simplify both board design and fiber handling," explained Michael Chow, senior product manager for Agere s Optical Core Networks division. "System makers get the added functionality of wavelength-locking in the same-size package as standard laser sources."
For 10- and 40-Gbit/s optical networks, using high-power lasers can help overcome insertion loss (optical power loss) from dispersion caused by effects such as scattering and absorption that occur during signal transmission. High-power lasers can also help reduce the number of amplifiers along an optical span, giving systems makers significant savings in overall system costs.
The lasers are single-channel, ITU wavelength-selected devices that offer 50 GHz wavelength spacings, which can double the capacity for networks optimized for 100-GHz channels. Each laser device contains two wavelength monitors for locking over a wide range of wavelengths, a unique configuration that can enable future use of wavelength-locked tunable laser sources and tighter channel spacing. This patented locker design is manufactured on a high-throughput automated manufacturing line which allows Agere to offer these devices quickly and in high volume. The integrated wavelength lockers greatly enhance long-term reliability and reduce chirp and mode dispersion when used with 10- or 40-gigabit-per-second modulators in high-speed optical networks.
The module s standard 14-pin butterfly package gives systems makers an integrated laser/locker solution without the need to completely redesign the transmission board, thereby reducing cost and time to market. The device also offers great long-term thermal stability and can provide a maximum frequency drift of only +/-2.5 GHz over 25 years.
Samples are currently available for the 10- and 20-mW (D2587P) laser modules, with samples of the 40-mW device expected in the fourth calendar quarter of 2001. All laser configurations will be available in production quantities in early 2002.
High-Performance 10 Gbit/s Receivers
Agere has also released a set of high-performance receivers for optical networking systems. These devices broaden Agere s current 10 gigabit-per-second (Gbit/s) receiver portfolio and extend Agere s ability to provide manufacturers of high-speed networks with the most appropriate solution for a variety of customer applications.
Agere s new single-ended receivers -- part of the R2860 family -- include the industry s highest-performing 10 Gbit/s avalanche photo-detector (APD) receiver, a 10 Gbit/s positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN) receiver with integrated limiting amplifier, and a 12.5 Gbit/s PIN receiver which enables super forward-error correction (FEC). These R2860 devices complement Agere s existing R192-series of 10 Gbit/s differential output receivers, and can be used in 10 Gbit/s short, intermediate and long-haul applications.
"These receivers are available in multiple configurations, giving systems makers the options they need in designing multi-channel dense wavelength division multiplexing systems and single-channel SONET/SDH systems," explained Ramzi Sawires, senior marketing manager for Agere s Access division. "In addition, all of the R2860 family of receivers feature identical packaging characteristics, making it easier for manufacturers to drop-in whichever receiver best meets their requirements."
Agere s 10 Gbit/s APD 1R receiver Agere s RA2860D APD receiver offers best-in-class performance, with a 26 dBm dynamic range, -26 dBm sensitivity and zero dBm overload. APD receivers provide higher sensitivity than PIN-based receivers by using internal "avalanche" multiplication of light-generated electrons. Better sensitivity translates to lower demands on the transmission side and longer transmission distances. Overload measures how susceptible a receiver is to saturation due to optical input power.
"Our APD receiver s high sensitivity can help systems makers save on costs by using lower-power lasers or increasing the distance between amplified spans in an optical network," Sawires said. The RA2860D is a 1R receiver, which combines a high-gain bandwidth photo-detector and a transimpedance amplifier (preamplifier) to provide a receiver with very high dynamic range.
Agere is currently offering samples of the RA2860D, and expects to begin offering production quantities by the end of 2001.
Agere s 10 Gbit/s digital 2R receivers Agere is offering two versions of the R2862 10 Gbit/s PIN receiver. The R2862D is optimized for DWDM line-side (multi-channel) applications, such as an optical core switch. It provides a wide dynamic range with a two dBm overload. The second receiver, the R2862A, is targeted for single-channel SONET applications, such as a metro access add-drop multiplexer, and offers a sensitivity of -21 dBm.
The R2862D is a 2R receiver, integrating a limiting amplifier along with the pre-amp of a 1R receiver. A limiting amplifier is the second stage of an optical receiver, regenerating and "cleaning" a signal received from the photo-detector and transimpedance amplifier. By integrating a limiting amplifier, the receiver offers a threshold adjust feature which permits system makers to change the eye crossing point and better define the digital signal. Like the RA2860D, samples of the R2862 receivers are available now, with production quantities expected by year s end.
Agere s 12.5 Gbit/s 1R receiver with super FEC Finally, Agere has introduced a new 12.5 Gbit/s PIN receiver, called the R2860G, developed to complement super FEC capability. The R2860G has a sensitivity of -18 dBm and overload of +2 dBm.
Forward-error correction uses extra bandwidth to allow receivers to detect, isolate and correct any errors created in transmission, reducing a system s signal-to-noise ratio. Since super FEC typically uses 25 percent more bandwidth overhead, the R2860G has this added bandwidth and can maintain 10 Gbit/s transmission signals over the dynamic range. Samples and production quantities of the R2860G are available now.
For more product information, customers may visit Agere s Web site at http://www.agere.com. Customers in the United States may contact the Agere Systems customer response center at 1-800-372-2447 (in Canada, call 1-800-553-2448; outside of the U.S./Canada, call 1-610-712-4323) or docmaster@agere.com. Written inquiries may be faxed to 1-610-712-4106 or sent to Agere Systems, Room 30L-15PBA, 555 Union Boulevard, Allentown, Pa. 18109, USA.
Agere Systems is the world s No.1 provider of components for communications applications with leadership in optical components and integrated circuits. This dual capability uniquely positions Agere to deliver integrated solutions that form the building blocks for advanced wired, wireless, and optical communications networks. Agere also designs and manufactures a wide range of semiconductor solutions for communications-related devices used by consumers such as cellular phones, modems, and hard disk drives for personal computers and workstations. In addition, the company supplies complete wireless computer networking solutions through the ORiNOCO™ product line. More information about Agere Systems is available from its Web site at http://www.agere.com.
This release contains forward-looking statements based on information available to Agere as of the date hereof. Agere s actual results could differ materially from the results stated or implied by such forward-looking statements due to a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, completion of the distribution or sale of Agere stock by Lucent Technologies Inc., customer demand for our products and services, control of costs and expenses, timely completion of employment reductions and other restructuring activities, price and product competition, keeping pace with technological change, dependence on new product development, reliance on major customers and suppliers, availability of manufacturing capacity, components and materials, general industry and market conditions and general domestic and international economic conditions including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations. For a further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see the prospectus filed by Agere with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2001, and Agere s subsequent reports on Form 10-Q. Agere disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact:
Glen Haley
Tel: 908-508-8662 (office)
Tel: 973-276-0295 (home)
glenhaley@agere.com
or
Carl Blesch
Tel: 908-508-8412 (office)
Tel: 908-306-0784 (home)
cblesch@agere.com
Copyright Franklin Publishing 2001
Glen Haley
Tel: 908-508-8662 (office)
Tel: 973-276-0295 (home)
glenhaley@agere.com
or
Carl Blesch
Tel: 908-508-8412 (office)
Tel: 908-306-0784 (home)
cblesch@agere.com
Copyright Franklin Publishing
2001
E-mail: cblesch@agere.com
Web site: http://www.agere.com
