NeoPhotonics, Inphi start shipping 100G integrated coherent receiver

Optoelectronic modules and subsystems supplier NeoPhotonics Corp. (NYSE: NPTN) and mixed-signal semiconductor developer Inphi Corp. (NYSE: IPHI) say they have started shipping to multiple customers a new high dynamic range integrated coherent receiver (HD-ICR) in production volumes.

Designed to deliver the high performance necessary for next generation 100G colorless coherent transmission systems, the HD-ICR couples the high dynamic range, low noise, and high input current handling capabilities of the Inphi IN3250TA TIA with the high sensitivity of NeoPhotonics’ photodiodes.

100G coherent networks are rapidly moving toward more efficient “colorless” operation, the company says, meaning that add and drop ports are not limited to fixed predetermined wavelength channels, and any wavelength channel can enter or exit any port. Colorless operation improves the efficiency and cost of coherent transport networks but places additional requirements on receiver performance. In colorless applications where the remaining channels are not filtered out optically, the incoming signal power can vary significantly depending on how many other channels are present, resulting in optical powers up to 100 times higher falling on the receiver than in the single-channel case.

For this application, NeoPhotonics has integrated a PIC-based variable optical attenuator to set the incoming optical power at the optimum point to avoid saturating the detector, while the high dynamic range and low noise of the Inphi IN3250TA enables the desired signal to be reproduced with high fidelity.

In the case where a single wavelength enters the receiver, the high sensitivity of the HD-ICR may eliminate the need for an optical pre-amplifier in front of the receiver, reducing cost and simplifying operation, according to NeoPhotonics.

“We are pleased to add the HD-ICR to our extensive line of PIC-based intradyne coherent receivers, and we feel that working closely with Inphi has effectively made available to our customers the high performance of both companies’ technology,” says NeoPhotonics Chairman and CEO Tim Jenks. “Our next generation 100G optical solutions coupled with Inphi’s 100G electronic chips can help us meet the needs of our customers in next generation 100G systems and beyond.”

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