GigOptix intros new portfolio of ultralow power SMART OSAs

ECOC 2010, 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, will demonstrate its new family of ultralow power multirate SMART Optical Sub-Assemblies (OSAs) targeting 2G-14Gb/s short reach datacom applications at the 36th European Conference and Exhibition on Optical Communications (ECOC) in Torino, Italy on September 20-22.

GigOptix’ SMART Receive OSA (HXR2101A) and Transmit OSA (HXT2101A) are based on a new generation of GigOptix VCSEL driver and transimpedance amplifier/limiting amplifier (TIA/LA) chips.

GigOptix has leveraged its extensive mixed signal experience in high volume parallel optics devices to combine advanced RF analog circuit techniques that reduce power consumption with integrated on-chip Analog-to-Digital Convertors (ADC) and Digital-to-Analog Convertors (DAC) to enable a fully digitally controlled TOSA and ROSA.

This architecture significantly simplifies the design of an optical transceiver such as an SFP+ by eliminating all analog and RF circuits from the PCB. The elimination of RF analog interfaces improves performance and reduces both power consumption and EMI within the transceiver. The new architecture also drives down costs while also significantly reducing the engineering effort associated with developing a solution.

The introduction of the SMART ROSA and TOSA further reinforces GigOptix’ position as the industry leader of high speed chips and multi-chip-modules (MCMs) by enabling customers a seamless and low cost deployment using the company’s “plug and play” components.

“We are excited to introduce this new product family of OSA products for short reach applications," stated Dr. Jorg Wieland, VP and GM of GigOptix-Helix, Zurich.

“The devices were designed for lead customers seeking a very energy efficient data link. Our OSA’s enable pluggable solutions running at less than 200mW, and intra-system links at less than 120mW. The SMART OSA’s were also designed to be very easy to use. The integrated digital I2C control simplifies the engineering of an optical transceiver and reduces the components needed to only a microcontroller and our SMART ROSA and TOSA.

“We anticipate that this will be a substantial cost saving for transceiver manufacturers. Also, we see the potential for SMART OSA’s to be used in consumer, industrial and avionics applications since these devices will simplify the implementation high speed links within a system and are more robust than 10G copper.”

In its most recent report on Datacom Components, Ovum forecasted that the 10G Ethernet and Fiber Channel short reach market would grow from almost 11 million units in 2010 with a CAGR of 22 percent to over 29 million units in 2015.