NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices and Sumitomo Electric Industries Announce Multi-Source Agreement for 10 Gbps Optical Detector Module

"10 Gigabit per second transceiver modules used in optical networking"

NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices, Ltd. (NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices) and Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (SEI) today announced they have joined into a multi-source agreement (MSA) to set a common architecture for 10 Gigabit per second (Gbps) detector modules used in optical networking. Sample shipments will start from today of products based on this common standard.

The new device is developed to work within the 1.3 micron ~ 1.55 micron wavelength range and is mounted with a amplifier on the industry's smallest class of metal ceramic packages (L x W x H = 9.8mm x 7.5mm x 4.0mm).

This super-small module addresses the calls coming from the industry for downsizing of 10 Gbps optical network transceivers. The detector module facilitates conversion of optical signals to electric signals and is one of the essential devices for 10 Gbps digital transmissions over optical fiber networks.

Currently, the market has many different package sizes and pin configurations for 10 Gbps optical networking detector modules, which subsequently has led to a situation of unstable product supply. Under today's MSA, NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices and SEI will aim to ensure a stable product supply by establishing a common standard for package size, pin configuration and specifications with multiple vendors.

Full-scale spread of broadband services has meant that public circuit networks must be able to transmit data at higher and higher capacities. Even for standard Ethernet used in personal computer networks, the market is seeking high capacity 10 Gbps optical fiber products.

This environment, together with customers' needs for smaller sized optical equipment has led to today's MSA, which will focus on standardizing package size, pin configuration and power source for 10 Gbps fiber optic receivers. Based on this new standard the two companies will begin immediately with development and launch of new products.

The new detector modules developed by NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices and SEI will be displayed at both companies' exhibition booths at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference (OFC) 2002 in Anaheim, California from March 17, 2002. OFC 2002 is the largest international conference for optical networking and device industries in the world.

About NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices, Ltd.

NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices, Ltd. (NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices) is a leading provider of opticaland microwave devices, committed to meeting the specialized needs of its customers in the broadband and mobile networking fields with its compound and silicon semiconductor technologies. NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices, was divided from NEC Corporation and established in October 2001. For further information, please visit the home page at:
http://www.ncsd.necel.com/

Company Information

NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices, Ltd.

About Sumitomo Electric Industries

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. (SEI), is one of the world-leading manufacturers of optical fibers and fiber optic components. Since its establishment a century ago, the Company has engineered technological change by adopting an aggressive research and development strategy. By innovatively fostering home-grown technology and successfully diversifying its business into exciting fields, SEI has positioned itself as a key player in the global information revolution taking place today. SEI can be found on the Web at http://www.sei.co.jp/

Company Information

Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.