NOVEMBER 25, 2009 -- CIP Technologies has released the 60G-R-EAM-1550, a combined modulation and photodetection transducer capable of working at up to 60 GHz that it asserts is a world first.

The new reflective electro-absorption modulator (R-EAM) is designed to meet customer needs for a low insertion loss, low drive voltage optical modulator in applications such as remote antennas and radio-over-fiber. The product is particularly significant for those interested in the 28-GHz LMDS band, as well as experimental and research work in bands up to 60 GHz, according to CIP.

The combination of modulation and photodetection in a single device means that both up and down links can be duplexed over a single fiber, which CIP says will lead to significant cost reductions and capacity improvements for network operators.

The 60G-R-EAM-1550 has an insertion loss of 3.6 dB and provides digital optical modulation at 50 Gbps and RF modulation over its 60-GHz bandwidth. It operates across the 1550-nm C-band with a low chirp parameter, and is intended for use with a laser diode source. The photodetection capability provides 1.0 A/W responsivity and 43-GHz bandwidth.

The standard package with RF connectors is suitable for use with external RF components and drivers; customer-specified variants of the product can be provided on request.

CIP Technologies