Harmonic intros SUPRALink universal optical transmitter

OCTOBER 21, 2010 -- Harmonic Inc. (NASDAQ: HLIT) has introduced the SUPRALink Universal Transmitter. The 16-wavelength 1550-nm DWDM transmitter is designed to improve efficiency and lower costs for the complete range of forward HFC transmission applications.

The full-band transmitter covers the entire RF spectrum, Harmonic says, which enables cable operators to flexibly support most forward transmission needs. Service providers deploying the SUPRALink Universal Transmitter can avoid the need for new fiber installations to support additional segmentation and commercial services applications, the company asserts.

In a typical installation, SUPRALink can be as low as one-tenth of the cost of alternative solutions that require new fiber, Harmonic says. It is comparable in cost to 1310-nm systems thanks to its optimized direct-modulated DWDM technology, while its 1550 nm-based design extends fiber reach out to 70 km, the company adds. The transmitter is used with Harmonic’s existing HFC platform and is compatible with existing deployed nodes.

“The new Harmonic SUPRALink Universal Transmitter is a ‘one stop shop’ transmitter for cable operators, a solution uniquely able to support virtually all HFC architectures,” said Gil Katz, senior director of cable solutions and strategy at Harmonic. “The SUPRALink Universal Transmitter can also be used in conjunction with an outdoor hub and is able to support a RFOG ecosystem at a lower cost than current transmission solutions. This latest innovation in Harmonic’s history of groundbreaking HFC leadership extends reach and frees up bandwidth for new revenue-generating services -- all while reducing capital expenditures for operators.”

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