Infineon's new optical triplexer delivers both digital services and analog video in fiber-to-the-X applications

24 June 2003 Munich Lightwave--Infineon Technologies, a provider of communications ICs and fiber-optic components, presents its new optical triplexer, the Triport-BIDI (bi-directional) at the fibercomm 2003 trade show in Munich (hall B1, booth 450). With the latest enhancement of its BIDI optical component family, Infineon enables service providers to offer reliable, high speed digital services and cost-effective analog video signal broadcasting in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and other access network applications.

The new module allows two-way digital communication over a single optical fiber and features an additional receiver for analog video signals (e.g. 80 TV channels). The technology operates with three different wavelengths and eliminates the cost of additional fibers, which are normally required for such applications. Single fiber bi-directional communication doubles the capacity of existing networks without adding any new fibers and simplifies fiber management. The new module transmits both digital services and additional analog video signals through one single fiber.

The Triport-BIDI is based on Infineon's field-proven BIDI technology already deployed in several 100,000 modules worldwide. The new module is specially designed for broadband passive-optical-network (BPON) systems with analog video broadcast signals on a third wavelength. Its second PIN diode receives standard CATV video signals, modulated onto an optical carrier. In addition to compliance with the full service access network (FSAN) standard, the Triport-BIDI is operating in the 1310/1490/1555 nm wavelength scheme. Infineon also offers customer specific wavelength schemes, e.g. 1310/1310/1555 nm. The module is available in several variants, which enables the system designer to use it in different system solutions: BPON, Gigabit PON as well as other PON systems, hybrid fiber-coaxial systems, but also in point-to-point networks.

The Triport-BIDI modules contain a laser, a PIN diode with an optional pre-amplifier for digital signals and--different from the standard classic BIDI--a second PIN-Diode as receiver for the analog video signals. The transmitter supports data rates of up to 1.25 Gbits/sec. The emitter and receivers of the Triport-BIDI are placed in hermetically sealed TO-cans providing high reliability and long operating life. Suitable for short and long haul links of up to 20 km the modules operate in the temperature range of -40 to +85 °C. The metal housing enables good heat transport, excellent EMI performance, and high reliability.

The Triport-BIDI is currently in volume production. Engineering samples of customer specific versions are available on request. All products can be delivered with fiber pigtail and several connector options.