JDSU Intros New Metro Module
JDS Uniphase expanded its offering of transmission modules with a new 10 Gb/s Long Reach Multi-Rate Transponder for fiberoptic communication. The new transponder is MSA-compliant and can be used in a variety of Metro applications for links of up to 100 km.

The OTPDR5101-LR (long reach) transponder is qualified for operation over an extended temperature range (0 degrees C to 70 degrees C), offering potential cost savings by reducing the need for temperature control equipment. JDS Uniphase's new product offers advanced capabilities, such as 50 GHz DWDM laser spacing, an integrated wavelocker and options for dispersion compensation. In addition, the user can select from multiple data rates to meet the needs of their SONET, Ethernet, 10.66 or 10.71 Gb/s FEC data rate applications.

JDS Uniphase's long reach transponder uses high performance modulation techniques and is available with 0, 3 or 7 dBm of optical output power. It includes an integrated electrical MUX and DEMUX for optical to electrical conversion. The OTPDR5101-LR transponders are compliant with Telcordia GR 253 and OIF 99.102.8 optical and electrical performance specifications, and the 300-pin MSA mechanical requirements.

The10 Gb/s MSA-compliant multi-rate transponder OTPDR5101-LR is available for order from JDS Uniphase representatives and distributors worldwide. This product is already being shipped, and lead times are 4 weeks to 6 weeks after receipt of order

Net Optics Releases Regeneration Taps
Net Optics, which develops passive monitoring technology, has released new Regeneration Taps that leverage proprietary passive signal access and conversion technology. The first release targets gigabit singlemode networks. As with Net Optics' original Regeneration Taps, the GigaBit LX to SX Regeneration Taps enable real-time, simultaneous monitoring with multiple devices. These highly innovative Taps also convert the network signal from gigabit singlemode to gigabit multimode prior to receipt by each monitoring device.

Retaining the benefits of Net Optics' original Gigabit LX to SX Tap and Gigabit Regeneration Taps, the Gigabit LX to SX Regeneration Tap is the market's first and only Tap solution enabling real-time, simultaneous monitoring and media conversion without signal blocking.

As with all Net Optics Taps, Regeneration Taps work with network management and security devices while maintaining existing network connections, enabling monitoring during business hours. Key ease of use features, available across Net Optics Taps, include front-facing connectors for easy deployment, and a universal power supply supporting global usage. BitBlitz Announces Multi-Protocol 10 Gigabit Serial Transceiver
BitBlitz Communications today announces the industry's first multi-protocol 10 Gigabit serial transceiver with both 10 Gigabit Ethernet and 10 Gigabit Fiber Channel physical layer interfaces. The nPower BBTX100 utilizes a patented technology that delivers the lowest power transceivers with the highest integration and smallest form factor in pure CMOS technology in support of the emerging XENPAK, XPAK, X2 and XFP standards.

The highly integrated low power transceivers are the enablers for ever-increasing port density in routers, switches, and data storage equipments for achieving higher bandwidth throughput. The compact 12mm x12mm BBTX100 transceiver allows optical transponders to be made to fit into the smaller dimensions of the XENPAK, XPAK, X2 and XFP standards.

The BitBlitz BBTX100 is the industry's first multi-protocol transceiver that is configurable for 10-Gigabit Ethernet or 10-Gigabit Fiber Channel, making it possible to design optical transponders that serve both interfaces. The device also replaces two existing chips and uses 25% less power than the previous solutions. The chip can switch between protocols via an external pin. This feature enables the design of the XENPAK, XPAK, X2 and XFP transponder modules that serve both the Ethernet and Fiber Channel interface protocols.

Other News

Chunghwa Telecom Selects Nortel Networks For Taiwan Optical Buildout
In a move to make high-speed broadband access and bandwidth available to subscribers in Taiwan, Chunghwa Telecom has selected an optical long haul solution -- featuring OPTera Long Haul 1600 dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) and OPTera Connect DX optical switching technology -- from Nortel Networks.

Under an agreement estimated at approximately $20 million, Nortel Networks will build what is expected to be Taiwan's first, island-wide, 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) optical DWDM backbone. Chunghwa Telecom plans to provide initial service in the second half of 2003.

This is the second time in recent months that Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan's largest carrier, has selected Nortel Networks to supply optical network solutions. In July 2002, Chunghwa Telecom awarded Nortel Networks a supply agreement for optical long haul and metro optical equipment to connect the Kinmen, Penghu, and Matsu Islands in the Taiwan Strait to the Taiwan mainland.

Ignis, Xilinx Demo Interoperability
Xilinx Inc. and Ignis Optics announced full hardware interoperability of a 2.5 Gbps serial optical interface between the Ignis IGP- 2000 Series fiber optic transceivers and the Xilinx Virtex-II Pro FPGA with Rocket I/O multi-gigabit transceivers. The proven interoperability will be demonstrated at the National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference (NFOEC) on September 15 -19, 2002 in Dallas, Texas.