WALTHAM, Mass., Feb. 26 -- Alcatel Optronics, CyOptics and Oki Electric Industry Co. have launched a joint effort to define a multisource agreement (MSA) for 40 Gbs electro-absorption modulator-based products. With its small footprint, high compactness and low electrical power consumption, electro-absorption technology is well-suited to 40 Gbs optical interconnection applications and long-distance WDM telecommunication transmissions.
The three companies will work closely to define an MSA as soon as possible. This MSA is expected to have multiple phases. The first phase involves pin-out and footprint standardization and is expected to be completed by the end of 2002. This will be followed immediately by standardization of the performance specification.