SCIENCE

GigOptix announced that as part of the ongoing productization of its Thin Film Polymer on Silicon (TFPS) line of Mach-Zehnder Modulators (MZM), that its LX8401 40G DPSK MZMs has successfully passed prequalification assessment with over 1000hrs of Telcordia’s GR-468 demanding High Temperature Operating Lifetime (HTOL) testing without degradation in operating performance.

The HTOL test is a key milestone in the required suite of Telcordia GR-468 reliability assessments. The HTOL test assesses the reliability of the TFPS MZM by stressing the device at a temperature of 85C while the device is modulating a 1550nm laser and is driven by a high speed electrical RF signal. This test simulates an accelerated 25 year lifetime of the product. After 1000 hours, the prequalification modulators showed no degradation in performance. The performance parameters measured included insertion loss, drive voltage, extinction ratio, and bandwidth. This successful result builds on previously announced reliability assessments by GigOptix of its TFPS optical chips, which have been measured successfully for over 7000hrs at 85C to date.

Dr. Raluca Dinu, GigOptix’s Vice President and General Manager of GigOptix Bothell, states, “The LX8401 prequalification parts passed HTOL testing without any degradation in performance which is an important milestone in our commercialization of our TFPS technology. Following this successful prequalification test, we are now in the process of running full GR-468 qualification on these devices, including damp heat, mechanical shock and temperature cycling testing to be completed in the third quarter of 2011. We expect the LX8401 and subsequent modulators addressing both the 40G and 100G markets to be a major vehicle for future revenue growth as we capitalize on the rapid growth of these optical networking markets.”

The LX8401 is designed using GigOptix's proprietary TFPS technology that enables industry leading low drive voltage in the smallest form factor available. The low drive voltage reduces power consumption by more than 20% compared to competing modulator technologies, while the small form factor enables smaller 300pin optical transponders. The product is being industrialized by Sanmina-SCI, a leading designer and manufacturer of complex, technologically advanced optical products. Sanmina-SCI has provided process development, manufacturing and supply chain services for the LX8401.