Lightconnect unveils new VOAs

September 22, 2005 Newark, CA -- Lightconnect, a supplier of dynamic MEMS components for optical networks, has introduced a Variable Optical Attenuator (VOA) with very low wavelength dependence loss, aimed at variable gain control applications in optical amplifiers and power equalization in DWDM networks. The company says its FVOA5100 builds on its Telcordia-qualified Fast VOA 2000, Fast VOA 4000, and Fast VOA 5000 devices.

According to the company, the FVOA5100 is a low-WDL version of its FVOA5000. The company says the new device's electrical drive requires only 0 to 5 V (6.5 V and 18 V optional), easing device control and resulting in power consumption less than 500 mW. The company says the device's optical specifications meet or exceed industry standard requirements, including 0.4 dB insertion loss and 0.25 dB WDL (typical). According to the company, unlike competitive MEMS technologies, the new VOA is very stable over long periods of time.

The company says the FVOA5100 has successfully completed the strict reliability requirements listed in Telcordia GR-1209 and GR-1221.

"The introduction of the FVOA5100 offers a high performance option for our customers who are designing amplifiers and optical subsystems requiring very low WDL components," says Sushil Shah, president and CEO of Lightconnect. "Like all our VOAs, the FVOA5100 is designed with no epoxy in the light path, is not susceptible to shock and vibration, and includes 2000 volts ESD protection."

The company says the device's 5.4-mm x 18-mm makes it ideal for compact applications. The device is available in either bright or dark configurations.