30 August 2002 -- Alcatel Optronics has launched what it claims is the "first" dual booster amplifier, the Alcatel 1926 MAM. Dedicated to optical cross-connects, metropolitan and access links, the subsystem contains two single-channel erbium-doped fiber amplifiers in a single package (100x90x13mm).
This, says Alcatel, is equivalent to a 30% footprint reduction compared to two compact EDFAs. It also improves equipment density and integration time at the system level, while reducing manufacturing and operating costs, the company claims.
Optical cross-connects, metropolitan rings and access networks are increasingly employing amplifiers. In response, Alcatel Optronics is offering the integration of several discrete EDFAs (2, 4, 6, or 8) in a single package. These multi-EDFAs are usable wherever port density is critical.
Philippe Bregi, the company's COO, said, "With this dual amplifier, Alcatel Optronics is moving ahead in multi-function integration, responding to customer size and cost reduction requirements. Our solution addresses system architectures with a high concentration of discrete EDFAs? helping to reduce the total cost of ownership."
The 1926 MAM is available in a configuration able to reach +17dBm (50mW) optical output power in the C-band (1530-1565 nm). Although the two EDFAs are in the same package, each EDFA function is independent, each one using an internal 980nm pump module.
These in-house manufactured pump modules maintain the amplifier's low optical noise figure, typically <5dB for an optical input power of ?6dBm. Its electrical consumption is typically less than 9W, says Alcatel. All fibre pigtails are arranged on the same side of the package to improve fibre management.