GigOptix sampling LX8220 40G TFPS modulator

GigOptix, Inc. (OTCBB:GGOX) says it has begun sampling its LX8220 Thin Film Polymer on Silicon (TFPS) Mach-Zehnder modulator used for 40-Gbps applications based on the differential quadrature phase-shift keying (DQPSK) modulation format.

GigOptix says its TFPS enables lower power and smaller footprints than conventional modulator development approaches. The LX8220 complements another 40-Gbps modulator that GigOptix has developed using its TFPS technology. The LX8401, which is nearing commercialization, targets differential phase-shift keying (DPSK) applications (see “GigOptix tests polymer 40G Mach-Zehnder modulator with Tier 1 optical transponder manufacturers”).

The company has high hopes for the LX8220, citing a report from market research firm Ovum that suggests the 40G DQPSK DWDM market will grow to over 68,000 units by 2015 with a CAGR of 66%.

"After the successful launch of our first productized TFPS modulator, the LX8401, we are striving ahead with our planned roadmap with the sampling release of our LX8220,” said Dr. Raluca Dinu, GigOptix's vice president and general manager of GigOptix-Bothell. “By using a successful Mach-Zehnder modulator production flow, we were able to bring this product to the market quickly and we look to build upon these successes to further our disruption of the market."