Opnext intros LX4 modules X2, XENPAK form factors

May 16, 2005 Eatontown, NJ -- Opnext has introduced an LX4 module in the X2 and XENPAK form factors. The company says the integrated, small form factor device contains direct modulated, uncooled DFB lasers, and is capable of transmissions exceeding 300 m of legacy multimode fiber (MMF), as defined in the IEEE 802.3ae 10GBaseLX4 standard.

The company says its LX4 transceivers support layer 2 and layer 3 switches used in premise legacy MMF applications. According to the company, legacy multimode fiber is defined as 62.5-µm MMF with a modal bandwidth of 500-MHz km in the 1.3-µm wavelength region.

The company says its X2 LX4 module transmits data over four wavelengths (1275, 1300, 1325, and 1350 nm) by optically combining the outputs onto a singlemode fiber, compliant with IEEE 802.3ae specifications. The module's singlemode multiplexer and multimode demultiplexer operate at typical LX4 center wavelengths with a spacing of 24.5-nm, according to the company.

"There is strong customer support for the LX4 technology; it is the only proven and robust solution that supports a large percentage of the worst case multimode fiber in the field," contends Ed Cornejo, director of product marketing for Opnext. "LX4 is a qualified, standardized solution and we are pleased to be able to offer the module in the X2 form factor."

The company says its LX4 modules are designed to meet the 10-Gigabit Ethernet market's cost and volume expectations for both near- and long-term projections. The company says its technology enables thermal margin for X2 form factor-based systems.

The modules are currently sampling.