To: J Fieb who wrote (3558 ) 7/4/2001 10:13:41 AM From: J Fieb Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 4808 Shold have mentioned that previous post material is a year old now. Here is a recent pr piece from one of the players where they talk about their 1310 VCSEL... Cielo Announces Industry's First Vcsel-Based 1310nm Parallel Array Modules for Next Generation Optical Networking Applications Cielo builds upon its industry-leading VCSEL technology and expertise to develop a low power, ultra-dense, 30 Gbps module solution packaged in a robust and reliable optical subsystem for the next generation of optical networks June 2001 (Newstream) -- Cielo Communications, an industry leader in Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) technology and integrated optical subsystems, announced the availability of the industry's first 2.5 Gbps per channel VCSEL-based 1310 nm array modules available in either 8- or 12-channel versions. The arrays offer an unprecedented combination of increased density and low power, providing customers with a cost-effective, feature-rich, small-footprint solution in a single multi-channel module. The parallel arrays are designed for use in SONET/OC-48 applications, including dense optical networking equipment and optical backplane interconnects. These modules are Cielo's first in a series of devices that will fuel the rapid development and deployment of 1310 nm array solutions required to create the next generation of optical networks and products. "Our 1310 nm VCSEL-based arrays are more than an industry first. They are based on a disruptive technology that will significantly stimulate the growth of a new generation of optical networks," said Mick Wilcox, product marketing for Cielo's array products. "This product is targeted at two main applications; dense OC-48 SONET interfaces and proprietary intra-system interconnects. Our product provides the densest OC-48 interconnect solution in the industry. As intra-system interconnects extend beyond the 300 meters supported by today's 850 nm parallel optic modules, Cielo's 1310 nm parallel optic solution will enable a clean migration to a 1310 nm single mode solution supporting distances up to 15 km." Providing customers with a higher-value solution, Cielo's parallel array modules feature a reduction in power by at least 60 percent and a reduction in size up to 75 percent, as compared to current solution offerings. Utilizing a monolithic array of 1310 nm directly-modulated VCSELs, the modules perform high data rate transmission in separate ultra-dense transmit and receive packages and are designed to be compatible with GR-253-CORE Issue 3 specifications. Furthermore, these modules feature an increased power budget link to the OC-48 SR specification, allowing for additional in-line losses. Cielo's 1310 nm parallel arrays feature either 8 or 12 independent transmit/receive channels and are capable of transmitting data at aggregate speeds up to 20 Gbps (8-channel) or 30 Gbps (12-channel) over distances of up to 15 km. For added flexibility, the arrays include independent signal detect and transmit disable functions on each channel, which can detect individual signal channels and disable each transmit channel, while supporting speeds up to 2.5 Gbps per channel. Utilizing a BGA socket, these pluggable modules eliminate the need for soldering and enable easier field service ability. These density advantages allow customers to not only increase available real estate on their line cards, but also ultimately offer a savings to the entire network element by enabling denser systems. The arrays also feature CML I/O signal lines and an MTP optical connector. Pricing and Availability Cielo's 1310 nm parallel arrays are priced at under $600 per channel for sample quantities. The arrays will be sampling this summer to development partners with volume production commencing in the fall of 2001. About Cielo Communications Cielo Communications is an industry leader in the research, development, manufacturing and deployment of VCSEL technology and optical packaging. The company's commitment to the advancement of VCSEL technology enables the broader adoption of cost-effective, multi-gigabit-per-second fiber optic interconnect solutions in optical networking equipment. Cielo Communications is a privately held company backed by several major investor groups including Mayfield Fund, Menlo Ventures, Herb Alpert, HarbourVest, JAFCO, Triumph Capital, J.&W. Seligman, and Kingdon Capital. Cielo Communications is headquartered at 325 Interlocken Parkway, Building A, Broomfield, CO 80021. Cielo(TM) and the Cielo logo are trademarks of Cielo Communications. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective companies. All rights reserved. Anyway these 1310 VCSELs should make their way into the 2-10 FC SAN world and increase the diameter of the SAN for those that have a need for it. There are already 1310 products out there, but they are not based on VCELs, but another technology(edge emitting). This technology is a valuable enabling technolgy and it bears watching to see how various the big dogs interact with small early companies. Not unlike the SAN game.