W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Agilent Technologies, and Mitel Agree to Common Standard for 12 Channel Parallel Optic
Modules
NEWARK, Del., Feb. 12 /CNW/ -- W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.,
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A), and Mitel Corporation
(NYSE: MLT; Toronto) today announced that they have signed a Multi-Source
Agreement (MSA) that will set the industry standard for next-generation
parallel fiber optic modules.
The three companies have leveraged their wide range of experience in fiber
optic and semiconductor technologies to standardize the package, and optical
and electrical interfaces for their respective modules to ensure that
customers will have access to multiple international sources that are
compatible with other components within their systems. Each of the companies
expects to offer the modules in 2001.
Designed for a variety of fiber optic communications applications, the
parallel fiber optic modules include transmitters and receivers featuring
12 channels at 1 - 2.7 Gbaud/channel for an aggregate bandwidth of
12 - 32.4 Gbaud. The modules are designed to meet skyrocketing demand for
network capacity in proprietary terabit switch/router links as well as very
short reach OC-192 and Infiniband connections.
"This agreement is a win for each of the signing companies, and for our
respective customers," said Tom Fawcett, Agilent's marketing manager for
Optical Systems Interconnects. "We gain the ability to drive this common
package and interface specification as the industry standard for 12 channel
parallel optics modules. Our customers gain flexibility and the advantages of
competitive sources."
Pete Widdoes, business leader for Gore's Parallel Optic Data Links,
states, "We believe our customers will find this MSA product to be very
attractive. The performance specs provide for a robust link budget and the
Ball Grid Array or Land Grid Array interface assures compatibility with high
volume manufacturing lines. Additionally, the customers will benefit from the
security of supply afforded by the combined capacity of multiple
manufacturers."
"The MSA will enable our customers to quickly bring expandable terabit
networking equipment to market," said Olof Svenonius, product line manager for
parallel fiber optic modules at Mitel Semiconductor. "Working in concert with
Agilent and Gore expands the available supply of interchangeable devices
through multiple sources while providing the unbeatable benefits of cost,
board space and time-to-market afforded by parallel fiber."
Performance of single-fiber and copper interconnects is limited in terms
of bandwidth, density and distance. Network system manufacturers are finding
that parallel fiber modules are the best and in many cases the only method of
equipment interconnection. The new modules can support transmission
requirements of greater than 30 Gbaud while utilizing less than two inches of
board space for a Tx/Rx pair. The transmitter and receiver are compatible
with an industry-standard MTP*/MPO terminated parallel fiber optic
interconnect.
Product design, development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of
the parallel fiber optic modules will take place independently. To obtain a
copy of the multi-source specification and for more information of parallel
optics, refer to the participating companies' Web sites.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a diversified technology company
with approximately 47,000 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 2000, Agilent had net
revenue of $10.8 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.
About W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. is a leader in providing high technology
solutions for electronic, industrial, medical, and fabric applications.
Headquartered in Newark, Delaware, Gore operates more than 45 facilities, has
over a billion dollars in annual sales, and employs approximately
7,000 associates worldwide. Gore is well known for its unique corporate
culture and is repeatedly named among the "100 Best Companies to Work for in
America." For more information, visit the Gore Web site at
www.gore.com/electronics, or call 1 (800) 445-GORE, or fax requests to
1 (800) 757-4673.
About Mitel
Mitel is evolving to become a global provider of semiconductors for
converging voice and data networks in a rapidly evolving Internet economy. In
Fiscal 2000, the company had annual revenues from semiconductor operations of
$600 million and presently employs some 2,500 people worldwide in its
semiconductor business. For more information go to www.mitelsemi.com, or
contact: Claire Nagy, Mitel Semiconductor, (613) 592-2122,
claire_nagymitel.com or Tiana Wiersma, BW&A, (503) 241-1574 tianabwapr.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risk,
uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results,
performance or achievements of the companies, to be materially different from
any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions
include, among others, the risks discussed in documents filed by the companies
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are encouraged to
consider the risks detailed in those filings.
* MTP is a registered trademark of US Conec
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