JDSU touts tunable SFP+ optical transceiver module

Having been first to market with a tunable XFP, JDSU (NASDAQ: JDSU) (TSX: JDU) says it has developed a tunable SFP+ optical transceiver module that will also be the first such device out of the gate. The module, which JDSU says is being demonstrated to customers, leverages the same Integrated Laser Mach-Zehnder (ILMZ) chip as the tunable XFP to provide full C-Band tunability. JDSU expects it to be in production within the next 12 months.

As with other tunable devices, the tunable SFP+ transceivers will replace fixed-wavelength optical transceiver modules, particularly in enterprise and metro network equipment, JDSU says. The advent of tunable SFP+ modules will provide flexible wavelength provisioning and lower inventory requirements, the company adds. For example, the device will support remote configurability and 50-GHz channel spacing.

In addition to replacing fixed SFP+ optical transceiver modules, JDSU also anticipates that equipment designers will adopt them in place of X2 and XENPAK transceivers.

"The invention of the tunable SFP+ transceiver is the latest example of how JDSU's focus on R&D and vertical integration has translated into innovative and compelling new products," said Alan Lowe, president of the CCOP segment at JDSU. "We're very excited by initial feedback from customers who have told us that the tunable SFP+ transceiver will help them more efficiently manage their enterprise and metro networks."

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