Optowiz intros high-density SFP module for small carrier access networks

Korea-based optical transceiver supplier Optowiz is introducing to the U.S. market a six-wavelength (6WL) high-density SFP (HD-SFP) transceiver at the data transmission speed of up to 6.1 Gbps per channel over singlemode fiber. The optical module is aimed at wireless carriers.

This high-density SFP is available in the North American market for the first time, says Optowiz, which is starting its marketing campaign from its new office in Brea, CA.

The desire to use deployed fibers sparingly and efficiently has been a driver to develop high density SFP transceivers, especially for those who are leasing another carrier's fiber infrastructure, says Optowiz CEO, Dr. KJ Yang. With that in mind, Optowiz had previously developed a 2WL HD-SFP transceiver, using a lower band for transmit (Tx) and a higher band for receive (Rx) for each CWDM wavelength, which made bi-directional (BiDi) data transmission possible over a single fiber without the hindrance of back-reflection and Rayleigh scattering. In the 2WL HD-SFP, the module uses half of the CWDM 20-nm spacing as the down link and the other half as the up link, and a data rate of up to 6.1 Gbps was available.

In the six-wavelength module, each 20-nm CWDM wavelength is divided into three BiDi channel groups, yielding six Tx and Rx channels combined. Six channels on each CWDM grid slot at 1.6-nm spacing effectively gives a total of 96 (16 X 6) data transmission channels. The 6WL HD-SFP for single core or double-core duplex fiber (Tx on one core and Rx on the other core) has been already marketed and deployed in the field.

"Our 6WL HD-SFP is, of course, the outcome of our continuing efforts to design and use fiber more efficiently for any carriers who are seeking solutions for maximizing their existing investment in their fiber infrastructure in the support of Smart Carrier Access Network (SCAN)," said Joo-Chul Cho, CTO of Optowiz. Cho explained that over 10,000 of the 2WL SFPs have been sold to the largest wireless service provider in Korea and that demand for a more efficient transceiver pushed Optowiz to develop the 96-channel 6WL version of the HD-SFP transceiver.

The 96-channel HD-SFP for BiDi transmission at 6.1 Gbps will be available at the first quarter of 2015. Telecordia GR-468-CORE testing was successfully completed, the company adds.

In addition, Optowiz says it is closely working with 1.6-nm-band mux and demux suppliers, active or passive, that are compatible with these HD-SFP transceiver modules, to provide a complete set of components to fiber-optic suppliers servicing broadband wireless network infrastructure.

For more information on optical transceivers and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.