March 31, 2004 Beaverton, OR -- Network Elements Inc., developer of 10-Gbit/sec optical networking solutions, has launched its new XENPAK transceiver for 10-Gigabit Ethernet (10-GbE) and Fibre channel applications. The XENPAK transceiver is hot-pluggable, uses a XAUI electrical interface functionality required by 10-GbE systems, and provides significant size advantage over traditional 300-pin transponders, say company representatives.
Network Elements' XENPAK utilizes un-cooled DFB optics, while the system side XAUI interface supports transmission data over 20 inches of standard FR-4. The transceiver also provides an MDIO interface to easily access PHY management functions, user definable non-volatile registers (NVR), and Low Power Start-up Mode.
The XENPAK transceiver's system diagnostic capability provides easy access to monitoring and control functions and Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM). Diagnostics such as integrated PRBS test pattern generation/checking, diagnostic loop-back capability, and built-in BER monitoring can be easily read via the MDIO interface.
"Network Elements is committed to developing 10-GbE products that provide the highest level of quality, performance, and innovation," reports Bruce Murdock, president and chief executive officer, Network Elements Inc. "The XENPAK transceiver further extends our X-series product line by offering our customers next-generation technology with the associated cost and performance advantages, without requiring a system redesign."
Network Elements' XENPAK transceiver features a XAUI electrical interface incorporating 8B/10B and 64B/66B coding, lane retiming and de-skewing, and integrated 10-Gbit/sec serial mux/demux. It is fully compliant with IEEE 802.3ae, and MSA XENPAK standards. The advanced level of integration provided by the XENPAK architecture offers space, power, and cost savings to customers designing in the 10-GbE and Fibre Channel applications.
The XENPAK transceiver is priced less than $1,000 in volume orders and is available now.