40 Gbps transponders

Nine optoelectronics firms have entered an agreement to define a common standard for 40 Gbps transponder modules used in fibre optic telecommunications networks.

The agreement by Agere Systems, Agilent, Alcatel Optronics, Ericsson, ExceLight Communications, JDS Uniphase, Mitsubishi, NEC and OpNext will offer network system manufacturers and suppliers a fully integrated solution providing shorter design cycles of up to several months by not having to deal with board-level, discrete circuit designs.

The transponders are being designed to support the needs of SONET/SDH and WDM systems, as well as metropolitan rings, optical add/drop multiplexers and IP switches and routers, with products expected to reach the market in the 2003-2005 timeframe.