EigenLight unveils 20-channel inline optical tap array

Optical monitoring specialist EigenLight Corp. has unveiled what it claims is the smallest 20-channel inline optical tap array on the market. The SA100 Optical Tap Array is an extension of EigenLight’s Series 100 optical tap, integrating 20 optical taps into one compact package measuring 23x21x5 mm. The small size gives design engineers the capability to reduce the size of their design without compromising performance or price, the company claims.

The SA100 Optical Tap Monitor Array also comes in 4, 8, 12, or 20 optical fiber configurations but can be configured in customized fiber counts.

EigenLight’s SA100 product line uses EigenLight’s patented optical tap technology which integrates an optical tap, splice, and photodetector into a compact and hermetically sealed package. The technology behind EigenLight’s optical tap maintains fiber continuity, avoiding lenses and partial reflectors, for the transmitted signal and only the extracted light is removed from the fiber, the company asserts. This results in an optical tap that has low loss, high directivity, and low PDL, allowing the Series 100 and the Series 100 Array to be used in demanding optical systems designs without compromising the quality of the transmitted signal, EigenLight says. The Series 100 Array is aimed at optical networking subsystems such as EDFAs, wavelength-selection switches, and ROADMs, where several optical taps are required for monitoring and controlling the optical signal.

Kevin Lefebvre, director of business development at EigenLight, said, “Packaging several optical taps into one package along with the superior specifications of the SA100 allows optical networking subsystem manufacturers to reduce the cost of their systems while maintaining a high standard of performance. This is especially important as optical networks move through 100G and on to 1T.”

EigenLight will be featuring the new 20 channel Series 100 Optical Tap Array at its ECOC booth #TT3, Sept. 23-25.

For more information on subsystems and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.