GigOptix samples pre-production units of single-channel 40G and 100G SMT driver

DECEMBER 1, 2010 -- GigOptix Inc., a supplier of high-performance electronic and electro-optic components that enable next-generation 40G and 100G optical networks, announced the availability of samples of its new, pre-production GX6255. The GX6255 is a surface-mounted 8Vpp Mach-Zehnder Modulator (MZM) single-ended driver designed for use in 40G RZ-DQPSK and 100G DP-QPSK transponders.

GigOptix' GX6255 is a low power, compact Surface Mounted Technology (SMT) MZM driver capable of outputting 8Vpp at up to 32Gb/s. It is designed to comply fully with industry-standard, single-ended driven 40G RZ-DQPSK and 100G DP-QPSK modulators. The GX6255 is typically used to amplify the data signals between the transponder multiplexer and its optical MZM and dissipates ~1.6W power at 7.5Vpp output.

"Increasing consumer demand for bandwidth and the advent of cloud computing are driving network operators to upgrade from 10Gb/s links to larger 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s links to keep pace. Building on the success of our recently announced GX62455 quad channel driver, we are proud to extend our 40G and 100G driver offering with our newest single channel 8Vpp driver to offer customer a complete driver portfolio solution for all their 40G and 100G driver requirements," says Padraig O'Mathuna, vice president of marketing at GigOptix. "Our driver portfolio in combination with our comprehensive receiver portfolio of dual channel Transimpedance Amplifiers (TIA) for 40G and 100G Coherent systems and receiver amplifiers for 40Gb/s RZ-DQPSK systems enable GigOptix to offer customers the widest selection of 40G and 100G solutions in the market."

Ovum forecasted in a recent report on 100G components that the 100G DWDM lineside market would launch in 2010 and grow to more than 16,000 units by 2015 with a CAGR of 140 percent.