EMCORE Corp. and Picolight Inc. have entered into a multi-source agreement (MSA) for the manufacture and supply of connectorized 12-channel parallel optical modules operating at up to 2.7 Gbits/sec per channel. These parallel optical modules, which are electrically, optically, and mechanically compatible, are designed to help alleviate data congestion in networking equipment.
The pluggable optics MSA,a collaboration between Picolight and EMCORE, defines common electrical, mechanical, and optical specifications for pluggable parallel transmitter/receiver modules, assuring networking equipment manufacturers multiple independent sources. Because the modules form the heart of high capacity systems by replacing copper backplanes, the support of multiple suppliers is critical for high volume deployment.
The MSA-compliant parallel optical modules, based on vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) technology, have been available for over a year. These thumb-sized transmitter/receiver modules incorporate a widely accepted matrix array connector that enables the modules to be dropped into place late in the build cycle, eliminating the risk of potential optical damage during the soldering and washing steps of standard assembly techniques. The matrix array also enables networking equipment manufacturers to better control equipment inventory by deciding--on a just-in-time basis-- to populate ports on a line card. The MSA-based modules feature 12 channels operating up to 2.7 Gbits/sec, with the 100-pin matrix array electrical connector and MPO 12 fiber parallel optical connector. The MSA further defines electrical and optical specifications to ensure interoperability.
The pluggable optics MSA is available for review by interested parties on Picolight's (Boulder, CO) Web site at www.picolight.com and on EMCORE's (Somerset, NJ) Web site at www.emcore.com.