NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices Releases 3 Laser Diode Modules for CWDM System Enabling Long-Distance Transmission at Wide Temperature Range

- 80-Kilometer Transmission Range from -20° C to +85° C -

DFB LD For CWDM Application "NX6508 Series" "NX8510 Series" "NX8508 Series"

NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices, Ltd. and NEC Electronics (Europe) GmbH today announced the launch of sample shipments of three types of laser diode (LD) modules that enable the easy construction of networks and networking equipment through their incorporation in optical communication equipment for local area networks (LAN) and metropolitan area networks (MAN).

These new modules are used to convert electrical signals into laser signals for use as the light source for coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) transmission systems. Through adopting these modules, communication equipment makers are able to lower the system cost and system operation cost of 8-channel transmission thanks to the modules' wide operation temperature range and capability of long-distance transmission.

Electron beam lithography is employed to form the grating of the distributed feedback (DFB)^*1 laser diode in the modules with high precision, thereby achieving both tolerance of a wide temperature range and long-distance transmission, for the wavelength range of 1470 to 1610 nanometers (8 channels at 20-nanometer spacings). As a result, CWDM transmission with a data transfer speed of 2.5 gigabits per second (Gbps) across a maximum distance of 80 km can be achieved under a wide temperature range from -20° C to +85° C.

Allowing flexible selection at the customer's end, these modules are available in three types of packages; the NX6508 Series in a CAN package, for incorporation in TOSA or coaxial pigtail packages; the NX8510 Series in a TOSA package suitable for compact transceivers; and the NX8508 Series in a coaxial pigtail package that can be connected to optical fiber.
The NX6508 Series features a CAN package that employs the industry standard header (5.6 mm) and comes with an aspheric lens ideal for assembly into a TOSA or coaxial pigtail package.
The NX8510 Series features a TOSA package that uses a concave receptacle structure enabling connection of an LC connector with an internal diameter of 1.25 mm and a 3.8-mm header, ideal for integration into a small form factor (SFF)^*2 or small form factor pluggable (SFP)^*3 industry standard small transceiver.
The NX8508 Series features a coaxial pigtail module that is easily mountable on a board and can be connected to optical fiber.
This variety in the package lineup enables users to make optimal choices for their applications.

In addition, the stable oscillation, which is realized through the special architecture of the modules, allows the transmission of signals with high reliability. The DFB-LD uses a phase shift structure for superior single-mode oscillation, as well as an optical isolator in order to suppress laser oscillation instability caused by reflected light in the TOSA and coaxial modules. As a result, stable oscillation can be obtained even during 2.5 Gbps operation, and thus high-reliability systems can be realized.

"Due to demand for lower cost and lower power consumption for optical transmission systems as optical fiber network expands from the fiber-optic backbone network to metro access networks, use of the CWDM method, which is a wavelength multiplexed transmission technology that uses uncooled laser diodes, is growing mainly in the MAN and LAN markets," said Masayuki Yamaguchi, department manager, 1st Optical Semiconductor Department, NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices. "Against this backdrop, market needs for products that can operate under many different conditions are increasing.
Our new laser diode modules are introduced to meet such market demand."

Availability
Samples of these new products will be available from October 10 this year, for 12,000 yen for the NX6508 Series, 23,000 yen for the NX8510 Series, and 25,000 yen for the NX8508 Series. Mass production is slated to begin in December 2003, with expected monthly mass production of 20,000 units.

For features of NX6508/NX8510/NX8508 Series, please see the attached sheet.

Notes:

About NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices, Ltd.

NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices, Ltd. (NEC Compound Semiconductor Devices) is a leading provider of optical and 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, and now a subsidiary of NEC Electronics Corporation. For further information, please visit the home page at: http://www.ncsd.necel.com/.

About NEC Electronics (Europe) GmbH

NEC Electronics (Europe) GmbH, headquartered in Duesseldorf, Germany, is a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of semiconductor products in Europe. Committed to meeting customers' cost, performance and time-to-market requirements, the company offers solutions ranging from standard products to system-on-a-chip (SoC) solutions, as well as customized products for next-generation designs. NEC Electronics also offers customers the benefit of state-of-the-art manufacturing locally in Europe, besides the global production of its parent company, NEC Electronics Corporation. Additionally, NEC Electronics (Europe) GmbH is the exclusive European sales and marketing channel of LCD and PDP modules from NEC LCD Technologies Ltd. For more information visit http://www.ee.nec.de.