GigOptix begins sampling pre-production units of dual channel SMT 100G driver

PALO ALTO, USA: GigOptix Inc., a leading supplier of high performance electronic and electro-optic components that enable next generation 40G and 100G optical networks, announced the availability for sampling of its new dual channel Surface Mounted Technology (SMT) GX62255 8Vpp Mach-Zehnder Modulator (MZM) driver designed for use in 100G optical transponders.

GigOptix’ GX62255 is a SMT device that integrates two 32Gb/s 8Vpp driver channels into a single small form factor solution. A 100G transponder requires four drivers, while GigOptix’ highly integrated dual channel solution significantly reduces both the area needed to implement the driver section and the Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) within the system.

Each 100G transponder uses two GX62255 devices to amplify the data signals from the transmitter’s multiplexer to drive the optical MZM. The GX62255 is specifically designed to interface easily with industry standard 100G DP-QPSK MZMs, providing optimal signal coupling.

Key features of the GX62255 include:
* Dual channel drivers integrated in one package to reduce solution size and EMI.
* Less than 1.8W power dissipation per channel at 7.5Vpp.
* Optimized for bit rates up to 32Gb/s.
* Low RMS jitter degradation.
* Adjustable output amplitude.
* Adjustable eye cross point.

“The GX62255 further expands GigOptix’ growing portfolio of 40G and 100G Bundled Solutions,” stated Padraig O’Mathuna, VP of Marketing at GigOptix.

“This highly integrated solution leverages the expertise that we have gained in developing the GX62455 100G quad driver to enable an innovative surface mounted dual channel 100G driver solution. This product specifically addresses the needs of transponder manufacturers who are seeking to reduce the size, EMI, cost and power dissipation within their transponder designs, while also providing a migration path to SMT for current customers of our GPPO connectorized GX62455. We expect the GX62255 100G driver to be a significant contributor to our future growth and to position GigOptix as the sole provider of 100G TIA and driver solutions in both GPPO and SMT form factors.”

In a most recent report on 100G components, Ovum forecasted that the 100G DWDM lineside market would launch in 2010 and grow to over 16,000 units by 2015 with a CAGR of 140 percent.