Padtec invests in ClariPhy, partners for coherent systems development

Padtec S.A., a Brazilian optical transport systems vendor, and communications system on a chip (SoC) developer ClariPhy Communications say they will partner to develop and deploy 100-Gbps and 200-Gbps optical transport systems based on ClariPhy’s technology. To cement the partnership, Padtec has agreed to invest $10 million in ClariPhy.

The new systems will use ClariPhy’s recently announced LightSpeed-II family of devices, which currently comprises an SoC for 100G applications and another for 200G (see “ClariPhy unveils 100G Lightspeed-II SoC for coherent CFP transceivers” and “ClariPhy samples LightSpeed-II SoC for single-carrier coherent 200G”).

Padtec’s current platforms include the LightPad i1600G and 6400. “We utilized ClariPhy’s 40G coherent technology in the past and were impressed with the company’s strong IP portfolio and the team’s execution capability,” said Jorge Salomao, CEO of Padtec. “ClariPhy is uniquely positioned to help us deliver solutions our customers are asking for. Through our partnership and investment, we have formed an excellent relationship with ClariPhy’s leadership team and have driven tight alignment of roadmaps for coherent products at rates of 100G, 200G, and beyond, spanning metro to long haul to submarine applications.”

The company says its partnership with ClariPhy will not only help it succeed in South America, but in “other growth markets worldwide,” in the words of a press release.

Interestingly, Padtec has owned Israeli module developer Civcom since 2008. Civcom announced at OFC 2014 its intention to develop coherent 16-QAM CFP modules for 100G and 200G based on what a Padtec source said was DSP technology developed in-house. A query about why Padtec isn’t just using Civcom’s technology had not been answered at the time this article was posted. [This question was finally answered via a March 28 conversation with Padtec CEO Jorge Salomao, who said that, in actuality, both Padtec and Civcom will be using ClariPhy's DSPs.]

Meanwhile, the folks at ClariPhy are understandably pleased. “We are honored to have Padtec join our family of world-class strategic investors, as they have demonstrated ability and vision to deliver unique optical networking solutions. We look forward to a long-term multi-project partnership that will be rewarding for both companies,” said Nariman Yousefi, CEO of ClariPhy.

Other ClariPhy investors include Norwest Venture Partners, ONSET Ventures, Allegis Capital, Pacific General Ventures, Oclaro, and Coriant (which invested when it was still Nokia Siemens Networks).

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