E2O Communications, Inc., and 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a joint development agreement for E2O to produce low-cost, high-speed fiber optic transceivers based on 3M's VF-45(TM) connector technology. Under the agreement, E2O will produce low-cost, short-wavelength 1.25 Gbps fiber optic transceivers, as well as long-wavelength, LED-based 125 Mbps transceivers. The financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.
By incorporating its unique short-wavelength, vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) packaging and circuit board design technology, E2O will produce VF-45-based transceivers that enable network suppliers to deliver Gigabit-speed, long-distance fiber optic backbones and short-distance, end-user fiber optic links at unprecedented low costs. Initial products from this agreement are scheduled for delivery in Q3, 2001.
"VF-45 reduces the cost of delivering a high-bandwidth connection to less than a 30% premium over the cost of much less capable Category 5, copper UTP cable. The longer distances of fiber optic links reduce the need for additional switches and telecommunications closets, so the total installed cost of fiber optic cable is often less than copper," said Mike Hartmann, Director of Marketing for E2O Communications.
About E2O
E2O Communications Inc. is a provider of optical transceivers for use in high performance optical communication networks. For more information, visit www.e2oinc.com.
About 3M:
3M is a diversified manufacturing and technology company that makes products serving customers in dozens of markets, including industrial, electronic, automotive, telecommunications, health care, transportation safety, consumer and office. For more information, visit www.3M.com.