1 June 2011

GigOptix’s polymer 40G MZ modulator completes system-level tests at tier-1 transponder manufacturers

GigOptix Inc of Palo Alto, CA, USA, which designs modulator drivers, laser drivers and transimpedance amplifier (TIA) ICs based on III-V materials as well as polymer electro-optic modulators for 40–100Gb/s fiber-optic communications systems, says that its LX8401 40G Mach–Zehnder modulator — implemented using its proprietary Thin Film Polymer on Silicon (TFPS) technology — has achieved two major milestones in its product commercialization: validated of its performance by tier-1 customers in system-level tests; and completion of the demanding High Temperature Operating Lifetime (HTOL) reliability assessment (a Telcordia GR-468 requirement) without degradation in operating performance.

The system-level performance tests were carried out in working transponders where the results could be more easily compared with those of competing lithium niobate modulators from industry-leading suppliers. GigOptix says that the LX8401 exhibited excellent optical performance compared with the competing modulators while providing significant advantages in terms of smaller footprint and much lower power consumption.

These system-level tests were performed after the LX8401 had completed 2000 hours of HTOL testing (a critical milestone in the suite of Telcordia GR-468 reliability assessments that customers require for all components sold into telecom equipment). The HTOL test assesses the reliability of a modulator by stressing it at high temperature for 2000 hours while it is modulating a 1550nm laser and being driven by a high-speed electrical RF signal. This test simulates an accelerated 25-year lifetime of the product. After testing, the LX8401 showed no degradation in performance, including key parameters such as insertion loss, drive voltage, extinction ratio and bandwidth. Further reliability tests are in progress, with full Telcordia reliability assessment expected to be completed by third-quarter 2011.

“These successful tests prove that the LX8401 modulator based on our proprietary TFPS technology demonstrates both reliable and competitive performance,” says Dr Raluca Dinu, VP & general manager of GigOptix Bothell. “Customers are demanding innovative solutions to address the growing demands of more bandwidth by consumers with smaller, faster and more power efficient solutions,” she adds. “We look forward to enabling further innovation and releasing more competitive products that leverage this technology in standalone and higher-integration architectures.”

The LX8401 is designed using GigOptix’s proprietary TFPS technology, which enables what is claimed to be industry-leading low drive voltage in the smallest form factor available. The low drive voltage reduces power consumption by more than 20% compared with competing modulator technologies, while the small form factor enables smaller 300-pin optical transponders.

Tags: GigOptix Polymer 40G MZ modulator Transponders

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