Alcatel Optronics, CyOptics and Oki to jointly define an MSA for 40-Gbit/sec electro-absorption modulator-based products

Alcatel Optronics, CyOptics, and Oki Electric Industry Co., all of whom play in the electro-absorption (EA) domain, today announced the launch of a joint effort to define a multi-source agreement (MSA) for 40-Gbit/sec electro-absorption modulator-based products. With its small footprint, high compactness and low electrical power consumption, electro-absorption technology is very well suited to 40-Gbit/sec optical interconnection applications and long distance WDM telecommunication transmissions.

To allow customers to benefit from the availability of compatible devices, Alcatel Optronics, CyOptics, and Oki Electric recognize the importance of standardizing their respective 40-Gbit/sec electro-absorption based products. The three companies will work closely to define a MSA as soon as possible. This MSA is expected to have multiple phases. The first, covering pin-out and footprint standardization, is expected to be completed by the end of this year. This will be followed immediately by standardization of the performance specification.

The electro-absorption technology is used in compact products such as Electro-Absorption Modulators (EAM) and Electro-absorption Modulator Lasers (EML) with the possibility to integrate a driver circuit in the module. Thanks to its high bandwidth and low drive voltage, electro-absorption technology helps reduce power consumption and allows tighter integration within system cards, say the companies.

Alcatel Optronics, CyOptics and Oki Electric will independently develop and market products based on this standard.

Alcatel Optronics (Paris) designs, manufactures, and sells optical components, modules, and integrated subsystems for use in terrestrial and submarine optical telecommunications networks. For more information, visit Alcatel Optronics on the Internet at www.alcatel.com/optronics

CyOptics Inc. (Waltham, MA) was founded in early 1999 to develop Indium Phosphide technology for 10- and 40-Gbit/sec active optical components. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.cyoptics.com.

Oki Electric Industry Co. Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, has several in-house companies, including the Optical Components Company, which specializes in development, manufacturing, and marketing of high-speed, fiber-optic devices and modules. For more information, visit Oki's global web site at www.oki.com/.