NFOEC 2001 showcase

Compiled by Suretta Williams

Systems

Six-port mini-switchThe MIL-S501 is a six-port, unmanaged switch with five 10/100Base Ethernet ports and one 100Base-FX fiber port. Fiber port connectors are available in singlemode and multimode. The MIL-S501 operates at wire speed with automatic MAC address learning and aging and requires no user reconfiguration. All ports running at 100 Mbits/sec are capable of operating in either full- or half-duplex mode to convert copper to fiber for environments requiring distance connectivity greater than 100 m.Milan Technology, Sunnyvale

Transport system
Talon2000 is an optical-ring transport system with a capacity of 10 Gbits/sec, enabling telecommunications service providers to send up to 10 Gbits/sec of fully protected bandwidth over a single fiber pair. Best suited for fiber exhaust, traditional access/interoffice SONET, and new high-bandwidth data services, it integrates into existing architectures that currently employ SONET, asynchronous, and/or DWDM equipment.
Kestrel Solutions, Mountain View, CA

Hybrid optical systemThe XDM is a next-generation multilayer and multiservice hybrid optical system with a build-as-you-grow architecture. Its futureproof five-in-one platform combines fully integrated DWDM optical networking with data protocols, multiple SONET/SDH rings, distributed DCS, and point-and-click provisioning features. The XDM allows service providers to build cost-effective networks from metro edge to core. These networks can be in-service scaled to 10 Gbits/sec using the XDM's integrated optical-networking features.Lightscape Networks, Herndon

PON system
FiberSLAM is a passive-optical-network (PON) system. It is composed of an optical line terminal (OLT) located at the central office, which drives a single fiber connection. The OLT can host up to eight PON interfaces. A total of 19 slots are available to accommodate a combination of PON, triple DS-3, and OC-3c interfaces. The OLT can optically split the fiber to connect up to 32 optical network terminals per PON interface. These terminals provide a new architecture for delivering high-bandwidth voice, data, and video services. FiberSLAM is compliant with the recently adopted ITU-FSAN standards, ensuring vendor standardization for O and M.
NEC Eluminant Technologies Inc., Chantilly, VA

Optical application router The optical application router (OAR 30) delivers a single IP- and TDM-optimized optical switching solution that enables rapid and converged provisioning of routed IP services, legacy TDM bandwidth services, and tunable DWDM wavelength services. Carriers can provide a seamless migration path to margin-rich IP-based services and next-generation dynamic wavelength services. Key differentiators include use of tunable lasers for optical scaling, cut-through provisioning for increased service velocity, multilevel protection for carrier-class stability and performance, and a simple and efficient quality-of-service architecture for maximum use of network assets.Atoga Systems Inc., Fremont, CA

OCU 45The OCU 45, available in singlemode and multimode versions, offers transparent transport of T3/E3/STS-1 services over a fiber transport at distances up to 40 km. Measuring one rack-unit high, it can be used as a standalone, wall-mounted, or mounted in 19- or 23-inch shelves using an optical mounting tray. This compact device gives NSPs a way to extend T3/E3/STS-1 services from their points of presence to their customers and provides enterprise users a tool for extending T3/E3/STS-1 services over fiber in a campus environment. The OCU 45 is DC-powered from a -48-V source. An optional AC to -48 VDC converter is available to allow the OCU 45 to be AC powered. Adtran Inc., Hunstville, AL

Optical service nodeThe optical service node (OSN) 4400 is an add/drop multiplexer for high-speed fiber-optic access and transport networks that offers 20-Gbit/sec total trunk capacity. It offers a full suite of service interfaces including ATM, IP, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and TDM. The OSN 4400 uses electronics and photonics to combine DWDM scale with service breadth, delivery, and awareness.Alidian Networks, San Jose, CA

Universal nodeThe SpectralWave universal node is a next-generation multifunction platform that provides flexible aggregation, grooming, and transport for IP traffic as well as for traditional SONET, SDH, and asynchronous TDM traffic. The node also uses virtual concatenation mapping, a feature for more efficiently carrying Ethernet traffic in SONET/SDH payload.NEC America, Herndon, VA

Channel systemThe WaveTrax is a totally enclosed cable-management channel system offering physical protection for fiber-optic cable in high-density environments. Snap-on hinged lids protect fiber while providing quick and easy access. Five- and six-foot channel lengths are available in widths ranging from two to twelve inches. High volumes of cable in perimeter or trunk environments can be managed with the eight- and 12-inch-width channels, while 2-, 4-, and 6-inch widths are used for routing and protecting smaller volumes of cable in distribution bay runs. Telect Inc., Liberty Lake, WA

SubsystemsMultiplexer/demultiplexerThe Chromatica series of high-channel-count optical multiplexer/demultiplexers is based on patented proprietary VPG technology and features 16-, 32-, and 40-channel DWDM modules designed and manufactured for OEM integration. The 100-GHz and 50-GHz channel spacing multiplexer/ demultiplexers are engineered for low insertion loss, low polarization-dependent loss, wide passband, good channel-to-channel insertion-loss uniformity, high channel isolation, and low manufacturing cost. They are metro-network sensitive and Bellcore-ready. Typical insertion loss is 3 dB. BaySpec Inc., Fremont, CAProgrammable wavelength processorThe POP1000 programmable wavelength processor combines several utility functions required in an optical system into one card. As a ready-to-go solution, it provides real-time monitoring, reporting, and channel-power compensation capability to build intelligent and complex carrier-grade WDM metro- and long-haul optical systems. Based on optical DSP technology, the POP processes optical wavelengths (such as routing and compensation) for the purpose of dynamic bandwidth allocation and comes in system-ready packaging. It enables agile networks and shortens system development effort and time-to-market for the system houses. The optical system allows service providers remote reconfiguration capability, eliminating the cost and need for manual field reconfiguration while simplifying system upgrades.DowsLake Microsystems, Santa Clara, CA

OADMThe PowerExchanger smart OADM uses a combination of technologies to achieve functionality. Capable of adding or dropping wavelength channels at the same or different locations and of equal or unequal number, it features low insertion loss and ripple passband, high-channel isolation, and automatic channel power equalization. It can operate in one direction or two, and has 200/100-GHz channel-spacing capability. An RS232/ Ethernet interface allows remote or local control, monitoring, and provisioning.Avanex Corp., Fremont, CA

Add/drop multiplexerThe ROADM (reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer) is based on passive planar waveguide components and their InP-based active components. It can add or drop any number of channels. Passive arrayed waveguide grating devices provide low-channel crosstalk, while the semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) provides switching, gain, and channel equalization for high-channel uniformity. The SOA's fast switching speed allows for configurability in less than 2 nsec, and a channel can be expressed or dropped simultaneously. Configuration allows up to eight channels with scalability to 40- or 80-channel configurations.Axon Photonics, Fremont, CA

Dynamic gain processor
The dynamic gain equalization processor blends patented all-fiber acousto-optical filter technology to achieve dynamic optical filtering, resulting in high performance with low insertion loss. Eight software-controlled optical notch filters operate in a closed-loop system. When inserted into the mid-stage of erbium-doped fiber amplifiers, the equalizers compensate for spectral impairments in either the C- or L-band.
Novera Optics Inc., San Jose

COMPONENTS

Optical-fiber cable
DryTech is a concept designed to improve performance and reduce installation of loose tube cables. By replacing traditional water-blocking compound with a foamed thermoplast elastometer, the mechanical crush performance increases by 50%. The impact force can also be increased by 20%. DryTech protects the fiber without increasing the size of the cable. DryTech optical fiber cable fulfills standard technical requirements.
Ericsson Network Technologies, Stockholm

Erbium-doped fiber
This erbium-doped fiber is designed for performance in the C- and L- bands. Features for the Model SY-EDF-980-T1 include: 3.5-dB/m absorption at 1,532 nm, 2.5-dB/m absorption at 980 nm, 0.28 numerical aperture, 5-micrometer mode field diameter, 920-nm LP11 cut-off wavelength, <10-dB/km attenuation at 1,200 nm, 125-micron cladding diameter, 250-micron coating diameter, and <0.4-micron core/cladding concentricity.
StockerYale, Salem, NH

Laser moduleThe Apollo is a high-performance, continuous-wave laser module for advanced optical-networking systems. Capable of providing 20 mW over the C-band, Apollo delivers high power, spectral fidelity, and wide tunability. The unit is a micro-sized continuous-wave external-cavity laser, incorporating patented micro-electromechanical systems and wave-locking technology. The laser, wavelength locker, and all control electronics are contained in a small footprint package with a polarization-maintaining fiber for coupling with an external modulator.iolon inc., San Jose

Amplifier/driverThe VM40A is a 40-Gbit/sec small-signal amplifier/driver suitable for optical-to-electrical conversion on the receiver side of the network. It provides a temperature-stable saturated output voltage of 2 Vpp with varying inputs. Other features include: gain block following a PIN photodiode, noise figure >7 dB, and availability of 17- or 35-dB gain.JDS Uniphase, San Jose

Connector cleaner seriesThese connector cleaners clean ferrule end faces and sleeves of adapters and keep high-power connectors from losing their performance, according to the company. Features include large variety for all cleaning purposes and low cost.NTT Advanced Technology Corp., Mitaka-shi, Tokyo

Photonic componentsApplication-specific photonic components offer arrayed waveguide gratings (AWG) with good insertion loss, polarization-dependent loss, and crosstalk specifications. Custom channel counts, channel spacings, and passband shapes can be designed and delivered to meet customer specifications. Scion Photonics, Component Manufacturing Div., Milpitas, CA

VOA multiplexer The LightWeaver VOA (variable optical attenuator) multiplexer provides the functionality of VOA arrays and an AWG in one device. It combines up to 40 VOAs with an AWG multiplexer, replacing 41 or more discrete packages with one. Features include 16, 32, or 40 channels; 100- and 200-GHz channel spacing; coverage over the C- and L-bands; low insertion loss; a digital interface; VOA control electronics; AWG temperature control; and compact packaging.Lightwave Microsystems, San Jose

DWDM ModuleThis 160-channel 25-GHz channel-spacing DWDM solution integrates a 1x4 25-GHz WaveProcessor Interleaver with four 40-channel, 100-GHz WaveArray AWGs to create a 160-channel demultiplexing solution. The product addresses the need of DWDM system integrators to reduce the cost of higher bandwidth solutions by packing more channels into the available bandwidth, while simultaneously increasing transmission speed, according to the company.WaveSplitter Technologies Inc., Fremont, CA

Optical wavelength locker
The OWL-10/20 optical wavelength locker has ±10 pm accuracy and is suitable for DWDM systems with channel spacing as small as 25 GHz. The OWL-10/20 is 7x7x30 mm in size.
Santec Corp., Hackensack, NJ

Laser pigtails
These singlemode laser pigtails optimize the coupling efficiency of laser to singlemode fiber, according to the company. The products are based on the company's impact mount technology (IMT), which is epoxy-free, solderless, and eliminates metallization fiber. The IMT laser pigtails come with various shapes of fiber tips, with the option of single-ferrule or double-ferrule configuration. Pigtails can also be customized to fit customer specifications.
Valdor Fiber Optics, Haywood, CA

Programmable OADM This programmable optical add/drop multiplexer (OADM) combines thin-film, DWDM, and opto-mechanical switch technologies with a user-friendly electronically controlled interface. It can dynamically add or drop any/all operating channels remotely or on the board, using built-in software. A series of programmable OADMs (4x4, 8x8, 16x16, 20x20) with 50-GHz, 100-GHz, and 200-GHz ITU grid spacing-for both C- and L-bands-have all-optical path configurations. SONET/SDH, Gigabit Ethernet, video signal, etc., can pass through or drop without optical/electrical or electrical/optical conversion. Global Opticom, Sunnyvale, CA

Variable optical attenuator
This variable optical attenuator features high channel count and low power. It provides reliable and stable electronic control of attenuation across the C- or L-band, allowing dynamic power management to respond to any optical switching disturbance. Based on proprietary active electro-optic technology, the variable optical attenuator arrays represent a new standard in low-power, low-heat dispersion and exceptional dynamic range suitable for a variety of critical tasks within the optical network.
DigiLens Inc., Sunnyvale, CA

Connector cleaner The Ultra SCC-3000 is a connector cleaner that incorporates ultrasonic technology to clean connectors automatically-in the adapter, without disconnecting from behind. With one press of the switch, the connector is prewashed, washed, and then dried within 5 sec. Environmentally safe, the Ultra-SCC 3000 can clean more than 500 connectors without a refill. Lightel Technologies Inc., Kent, WA

Variable optical attenuatorThe TOIC variable optical attenuator is available in 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, and 48 channels. It features thermo-optic integrated circuit technology and low insertion loss. No temperature control is required and there are no moving parts.Radiant Photonics Inc., Austin, TX

Channel level controllers
This compact, low-power-consumption optical-channel level controller has been developed by using design technology to create an all-in-one arrayed-waveguide-grating module that can be integrated with on-board variable optical attenuators to allow optical signals of varied wavelengths to be bundled and transmitted over a single optical fiber.
NTT Electronics Corp., Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo

Variable optical attenuatorBy adjusting the electric current, these four-channel/eight-channel variable optical attenuator arrays can control individual channel power levels independently. Fabricated by ion-exchanged waveguide technology, this product offers low insertion loss, <1 dB typical, and low polarization-dependent loss, <0.5 dB typical, at 10-dB attenuation, and has no moving parts. Utilizing the thermo-optic effect of glass material, the packaging is compact and the unit is suitable for metro applications, especially in optical networks.FDK Corp., Minato-ku, TokyoAttenuatorThe SC attenuator for high-power light exposure is a cost-effective product, according to the company, and is adaptable for higher output. Attenuation levels are: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30.NTT-ME Corp., Toshimaku, Tokyo

Integrated optical componentsThe Gemfire PhotonIC integrates an eight-port, 980-nm pump source with an eight-port variable optical attenuator to deliver >30 dB of attenuation while consuming <10 mW per port of drive power. With low insertion loss and electronically controllable attenuation without temperature stabilization, the pump source provides eight independently controllable fiber outputs from a board-mounted optical module. Gemfire Corp., Palo Alto, CA

Variable optical attenuator
This variable optical attenuator is powered by diffractive MEMS and combines optical performance and fast response. It uses the wave aspect of light to provide dynamic optical control. Designed for power control and channel equalization in DWDM systems, it can also provide subcarrier modulation for network monitoring. The unit provides >30-dB attenuation, <1-dB insertion loss, and <0.2-dB polarization-dependent loss, with a spectrally flat response.
Lightconnect Inc., Newark, CA

Dual-drive modulator The Mach-Zehnder external modulator has a 10.7-Gbit/sec-capable dual drive and is manufactured using Ti diffused waveguide, z-cut LiNbO3 technology. The dual z-cut design offers lowered drive voltages and chirp adjustment. The product includes an integrated photodiode monitor and coupler for use in an external automatic bias control loop. The Mach-Zehnder is designed for use in long-haul OC-48/192 (STM-16/64), long-haul/metro DWDM and optical test equipment applications.Fujitsu Compound Semiconductor Inc., San Jose

Optical switchThe WaveWalker 2x2 optical switch uses liquid-crystal technology to create a nonblocking, bidirectional component with low insertion loss and high durability. Characterized by billion-cycle durability, fast switching/cycling speed, and stable insertion loss over operating temperature, the unit has no moving parts, so there is no sticking or vibration-induced performance degradation.SpectraSwitch, Inc., Santa Rosa, CA

Polarization pump combinersAll-fiber polarization pump combiners are used to combine two polarized pump lasers into a single fiber. They can be custom-designed to accommodate any pump laser center wavelength. Their low insertion loss (0.25 dB) and high polarization extinction ratio (17 dB) are designed for use in 980-nm EDFAs or Raman amplifiers. They have very low temperature-dependent loss and are able to sustain continuous optical power without degradation. They are best used in combination with the company's All-Fiber wavelength pump multiplexers.ITF Optical Technologies, Saint-Laurent, Quebec

Optical add/drop modules
These optical add/drop modules for use in optical networks are based on coarse WDM. They may be configured to drop and add up to four wavelengths, and are designed to work with uncooled lasers having wavelengths spaced 20 nm apart. They operate independent of the data rate and protocol with singlemode fiber. They are qualified per Telcordia and NEBS standards.
Tsunami, Mountain View, CA

TEST EQUIPMENT

Multiwavelength meter The AQ6141 multiwavelength meter provides wavelength accuracy of 0.3 pm and has a minimum resolution separation of 5 GHz. It is suitable for testing DWDM systems and corresponds to 25-GHz spacing. Features include WDM analysis, ITU-T grid check function, and drift measurement.ANDO Corp., Kawasaki, Japan

Test/sort stationThe automated filter test and sort station Model 220-0192 increases process control and ensures reliability of filters used in downstream assembly. It provides the necessary precision and capability to automatically sort (bin) filters according to programmed spectral parameters. The design and functionality of this system specifically addresses the fiber-optics/ telecommunications industry requirements for increased precision and volume of bandpass and GFF.Scion Photonics Inc., Equipment Manufacturing Div., Valencia, CA

Network test unit
The SunSet OCx is a complete battery-powered transport and access network test unit. With a light, durable chassis and a color LCD, the unit includes interfaces for DS-1, DS-3, and SONET testing up to OC-48c. It performs physical-layer and bit-error-rate testing as well as network qualification and service verification. ATM testing up to OC-48c, PBX testing, ISDN primary rate, GR-303, SS7, and frame relay are also available. The OCx can be used for installing, troubleshooting, and monitoring SONET systems in the lab or in the field.
Sunrise Telecom, San Jose, CA

Dual-source moduleThe FOS-9200520XX is a dual-source module available for the SSB-9200 high-density source bank for testing WDM components, amplifiers, and systems. Doubling up on sources frees 25 slots in the 9200 mainframe for other purposes. For large channel-count applications, up to 100 laser sources can be purchased and used in a single mainframe, which can reduce space by as much as 70% over traditional eight-channel mainframes, according to the company.ILX Lightwave Corp., Bozeman, MT

Remote testing unitThe Network Guardian G2 is a universal remote testing unit for DWDM, SONET/SDH, and telecommunications and data-communications network infrastructures. The platform is capable of 24/7 remote monitoring, performance data collection, and dynamic testing. It provides seamless OSS network integration through standard interfaces like CORBA, TL1, and SNMP. Avantas Networks Corp., Saint-Laurent, Quebec

Dispersion test setThe CHROMOS11 is a tunable laser-based chromatic-dispersion field test set to provide in-system chromatic-dispersion measurement at any wavelength in the C- or L-band. It allows transmission system suppliers and operators to measure the total end-to-end dispersion of both repeaterless and line-amplified systems with minimum disruption. A tunable laser source in the remote transmitter provides wavelength agility and compatibility with line-amplified systems. Measurement is controlled by a software specialist via a laptop PC connected to the receiver.PerkinElmer Optoelectronics, Berkshire, United Kingdom

Fiber-management system
The Lightlink Patchfinder is a fiber-management system that features an integral metallic circuit that connects light-emitting-diode indicators on each end of the fiber jumper. When it's connected, both terminations are instantly identified. The metallic circuit also acts as a talk path, allowing communication during installation or troubleshooting.
Antec Corp., Duluth, GA

Optical waveguide analyzerThe OWA-9500 optical waveguide analyzer uses a refracted near-field approach to help planar-waveguide developers and scientists control and optimize the manufacturing processes of their planar lightwave circuits at a very early stage. The unit characterizes waveguides in the next generation of integrated optical devices and offers accurate refractive index profiling on glass- and fused-silica-based devices.EXFO, Vanier, Quebec

Digital fiber inspection probe
This digital fiber inspection probe is a video microscope used for connector inspection through bulkheads or inside test equipment. The USB port of a laptop or PC powers the probe using a single cable, and no batteries or other power supply is necessary. The image capture button is conveniently located on the probe body for one-handed operation. The probes are available at magnifications of 200x, 400x, 500x, and 300x long-reach design (300 mm). A software package is included for image capture and data storage. Optical software upgrades include multilevel image analysis and database functions.
Westover Scientific, Mill Creek, WA

MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT

Miniaturized gas cell
The C2H2-MINI miniaturized acetylene gas absorption cell enables designers to calibrate DWDM optical signals with high precision, according to the company. The product features hard-sealed glass gas tubes with a rated lifetime of >20 years. The gas tubes are packaged in a metal housing and fitted with singlemode fiber pigtails. All optics are coated for low backreflection and minimum interference. As an option, the output can be electrical instead of optical with a built-in InGaAs photodiode.
Wavelength References, Mulino, OR

Fusion splicer
The FSM-40F fusion splicer was created to meet the ever-increasing needs of DWDM optical communication devices. Designed for factory use, it features sweep-arc discharge for dissimilar fiber splicing, a fiber-holder system for minimal skill dependency, and a lower profile design. A two-directional observation system without up/down mirror contributes to a quicker splicing time. In addition, the FSM-40F is capable of high-tensile-strength splicing with short-cleaved length. It provides accurate splice loss estimates by observing core distortion and MFD mismatch.
Alcoa Fujikura Ltd., Spartanburg, SC

Automation systemThe Prima system is a standardized automation system for fiber-optic components assembly. Starting with a reel of raw fiber, Prima pays out and spools the fiber onto a work tray, then cuts, cleans, and cleaves the end, attaches a ferrule, and outputs a pigtail every 30 sec-without operator assistance. kSARIA Corp., Wilmington, MA

Polishing machine
The SFP-550S and SFP-550E are polishing machines designed for mass production of optical connectors. During adaptation, the 550S has the programming function that controls the polishing processes. The 550E is capable of placing emphasis on productivity and high cost-effectiveness on the mass production line of the optical connectors, according to the company. Both are compatible with the SFP-550 in the polishing holder/films application.
Seikoh Giken Co. Ltd., Chiba, Japan

DESIGN TOOLS

Design toolkits
These two design toolkits are tightly integrated with OptSim 3.2, a virtual prototyping environment assisting the design of optical transmission systems. The DWDM template manager is a high-level interface that speeds up the synthesis, analysis, and optimization of DWDM systems by providing a system template and an equipment library that are ready to use. The multipump Raman amplifier design toolkit provides automatic optimization of amplified systems through the derivation of power level and spectral position of the minimum number of pumps required to get a user-defined gain shape.
Artis Software Corp., San Jose