Yokogawa and Fujitsu agree III-V component deal
III-V component maker Yokogawa Electric has signed a strategic agreement with Fujitsu over the development of "ultra high speed" communications networks.
The two companies are planning to jointly develop the core technologies for faster optical networks, with Yokogawa focused on advanced compound semiconductor chips and Fujitsu working on transmission systems.
Last year, Yokogawa said that it would build a $230 million fabrication facility near Tokyo to make an advanced optical packet switch for 40 Gb/s transmission. The all-optical switch can route signals without the need for electronic conversion.
Yokogawa added that it planned to build the 28 000 m2 five-storey fab quickly to commence production in November this year.
"By combining Yokogawa's advanced compound semiconductor device technology with Fujitsu's expertise in network systems, the companies aim to achieve a faster transmission network infrastructure," said Yokogawa in a statement.
The company is aiming to focus on local area network applications with the new technology.
Yokogawa, which already has a global network comprising 18 manufacturing facilities, provides automation and control equipment to a wide range of customers including many in the power industry.
According to officials at the Japanese company, the compound semiconductor fab under construction will also be used to make components such as sensors that can be exploited in industrial control systems.
