Long-Reach Optical Device MSA Specs Released

TOKYO, Sept. 1 -- Optical manufacturers Avanex Corp., Eudyna Devices Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Oki Electric Industry Co. Ltd., Opnext Inc., Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd. and TriQuint Semiconductor Inc. announced today the release of new common specifications for long-reach optical devices based on a 10 Gb/s miniature device multisource agreement (XMD-MSA) designed for applications from short-to-long reach transmission functions.

The new specifications enable the use of optical devices from multiple suppliers. The XMD-MSA was created to establish compatible sources of 10 Gb/s transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA) and receiver optical subassembly (ROSA) devices embedded into the 10 Gb/s small-form-factor pluggable (XFP) MSA modules designed for use in large-capacity network and data storage systems. It covers optical devices that comply with 10 Gb/s interface standards, including 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Fiber Channel and SONET OC-192.

The new specifications detail the semiconductor-based external modulator TOSA and avalanche photo-diode trans-impedance amplifier for long-reach (beyond 20 km) applications. The XMD-MSA specifications now cover transmission applications for most optical networking systems. These specifications for interchangeable TOSA/ROSA devices include: Common mechanical dimensions, including optical connector interface that determines the design of the XFP optical head; common electrical interface standards using flexible printed circuit; and optical and electrical characteristics.

The MSA enhances a XMD-MSA announced on June 7 for direct-modulation distributed-feedback or Fabry-Perot laser TOSA and the PIN photodiode transimpedance amplifier ROSA for short-reach applications up to 20 km.

Specifications are available from the MSA committee, which said it plans to revise the TOSA/ROSA specifications issued on June 7. The revised specifications will be available Sept. 30 from any member.

For more information, visit: www.avanex.com