Agilent Technologies Announces High-capacity Parallel Optical Link
PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 2000--
New 12-Channel 30 Gb/s Fiber-Optic Modules Meet Rising Bandwidth Demands for High-Speed Interconnects in Terabit-Class Systems
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A), a leading provider of innovative technologies for communications and life sciences, today announced initial sampling of the first surface-mount compatible parallel optic modules designed to support terabit-scale networking equipment. These new parallel optic modules are designed for leading network and telecom equipment manufacturers, who are developing immensely scalable terabit switch routers to meet skyrocketing demand for network capacity.
Copper interconnects are physically unable to route this much data, and even existing optical transceivers are unable to achieve required densities. Agilent's new parallel optics modules solve this problem. Operating at 2.5 Gb/s per channel, these revolutionary new devices combine the 12-channel HFBR-712BP transmitter and HFBR-722BP receiver modules with industry-standard fiber-optic cables and connectors to deliver 30 Gb/s of capacity while utilizing only 38 mm (1.5 inches) of board space.
"Clearly a cost-sensitive, high-density solution is needed to satisfy the growing demand for bandwidth," said Tom Fawcett, marketing manager for Agilent's Optical Systems Interconnect. "The HFBR 712BP and HFBR 722BP deliver the high data capacity and compact footprint required for this new class of interconnects at up to a 50 percent lower cost than current solutions."
Targeted at applications ranging from proprietary system interconnects to external OC-192 or InfiniBand connections, Agilent's parallel optic modules support distances of up to 600 meters with Revised IEC eye safety requirements. An integrated heat sink helps dissipate heat generated by the module into ambient air and not into the circuit board.
The modules also come en the industry's first standard ball-grid array module compatible with standard pick and place equipment. An industry-standard MTP/MPO connector, which readily terminates on industry-standard ribbon or easy-strip cable3, will serve as the parallel optics interface.
Agilent is also developing complementary clock/data recovery (CDR) and quad serialize/deserialize (SerDes) ICs. The CDR chip, which can regenerate high-speed data signals from degraded signals, is currently being sampled to selected customers and is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2001. Agilent expects to sample the SerDes IC to selected customers in the first quarter of 2001.
Agilent has recently shipped initial engineering samples of the 12-channel parallel optics modules to a select customer. The modules are expected to be available in the second quarter of 2001. Prices will range from $750 to $900 per pair ($25 to $30/gigabit) for moderate to high volumes. For more information visit www.agilent.com/view/paralleloptics.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a diversified technology company with approximately 46,000 employees serving customers in more than 120 countries. Agilent is a global leader in designing and manufacturing test, measurement and monitoring instruments, systems and solutions, and semiconductor and optical components. In fiscal year 1999, Agilent had net revenue of more than $8.3 billion. The company serves markets that include communications, electronics, life sciences and healthcare.
Information about Agilent Technologies can be found on the Web at www.agilent.com.
CONTACT:
Agilent Technologies
Don Parkman, 408/654-8794
don-parkman@agilent.com
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