Princeton Optronics joins Agility, Alcatel Optronics, and Bookham in tunable laser MSA

Tunable laser manufacturer Princeton Optronics Inc. today announced its partnership with Agility, Alcatel Optronics, and Bookham Technology in a multi-source agreement (MSA) to provide equipment manufacturers with standardized tunable laser modules.

Unveiled last November, the Agility/Alcatel/Bookham MSA defines a small form factor plug-in module consisting of a tunable continuous wave (CW) laser and embedded electronics that provide automatic wavelength acquisition and locking. Supporting both the C- and L-band, these standardized products are dedicated to core DWDM applications.

Products complying with the MSA include 10 mW and 20 mW CW tunable lasers that cover both C- and L-band applications, with 25-GHz and 50-GHz wavelength spacing. They have a compact footprint with maximum dimensions of 76.2 x 50.8 x 12.7 mm and a dense 40-pin connector for electrical interface. These standardized tunable sources support SPI, I2C and RS-232 remote control busses using the same protocol. More specific technical detail on the MSA is available at www.tunablemsa.com.

"Responding to our customers' call for standardization, we entered into this particular MSA because of its wide market acceptance, well established specifications and its open membership policy," explains Timothy Hays, vice president of marketing at Princeton Optronics. "As a result of this agreement, equipment manufacturers will realize the benefits of reduced supply line risk and greater operational flexibility."

A second tunable laser MSA--based on the Optical Internetworking Forum's (OIF) tunable laser implementation agreement (IA) published in November 2002--was announced last week, spearheaded by iolon, Intel, Bookham, and Santur. Technical details about this standardization effort may be found at www.tunablelasermsa.com.