According to a new study conducted by ElectroniCast Corporation, the global consumption value of electronically controlled variable optical attenuators (EVOAs) will grow from $219.7 Million in 2000 to $7.2 Billion in 2010.
"Solid state attenuators are electrically tunable (electronically controlled) with various methods including magneto-optic, acousto-optic and electro-optic," ElectroniCast President Stephen Montgomery said. "The amount of attenuation is dynamically variable as applied voltage is changed over its operating range. Advantages include the fastest tuning speed and uninterrupted, inline adjustment. A high technology design, the electrically variable attenuator (VOA) disadvantage includes cost and a design that resets to zero attenuation in the event of a power loss to the tuning circuit," Montgomery said.
Fiber optic attenuators, both fixed and adjustable (variable), use a variety of techniques for achieving optical attenuation including mechanical and electronic.
In the ElectroniCast report, the fiber optic attenuator market is presented in segments:
* Panel Mount -- Fixed (Includes - bulkhead, connector buildout)
* Cable Assembly -- Fixed (Includes - jumper/pigtailed, in-line)
* Variable
-- Manual (panel mount/stand alone)
-- Electronically controlled
EVOA Array Devices Will Lead in Market Share
In year 2000, EVOA array devices represented a market share of 2 percent, or $4 million, versus single pigtail devices. EVOA arrays will take over the market lead in 2006, with a global consumption value of $900 million or 58 percent. By 2010, EVOA array devices will hold an 80 percent relative market share, or 5.76 billion.
About ElectroniCast:
Founded in 1981, ElectroniCast is a provider of forecasting for the fiber optic, optoelectronic, and photonic industries. "The Fiber Optic Attenuator Global Market Forecast" is available for $9,850. For more information, visit www.electronicast.com.