September 3rd, 2004 Rueschlikon, Switzerland -- Albis Optoelectronics has announced the availability of the PX512, a 4.25-Gbit/sec receiver optical subassembly (ROSA) for 850-nm optical communications. This high-sensitivity, 5-pin, low-cost coaxial module comes with two different pin layouts, provides a photocurrent monitor signal, and acts as a basic building block for multimode 4G Fibre Channel applications. The product converts optical power into an electrical signal at data rates from 155 Mbits/sec up to 4.25 Gbits/sec and utilizes a PIN/TIA integrated in a TO-46 package aligned to a precision plastic LC port for use with 50/125- and 62.5/125-micron multimode fiber.
"Having a sensitivity of -19 dBm at 4.25 Gbits/sec and a low power dissipation of only 100 mW, the PX512 raises the bar for high-performance ROSAs while at the same time meeting the aggressive price benchmarks set for Fibre Channel components," says Daniel Lauchenauer, ROSA program manager at Albis.
At an operating voltage of 3.3 V, the ROSA achieves a voltage output swing of 400 mVp-p and has a dynamic range of 20 dB. The photocurrent monitor function (or received signal strength indicator, RSSI) provides a signal proportional to the received optical power as required by the SFP digital diagnostic standards. This function also allows active optical alignment during the manufacturing process. The RSSI function resides on the TIA inside the ROSA, thus eliminating the need for additional external components resulting in a considerable reduction of the assembly costs and the transceiver bill of material.
Sampling of the PX512 to selected customers begins immediately with large-volume quantities available starting November 2004. The product offering is complemented by a ready-to-use evaluation board offering easy evaluation of the ROSA's performance.