Product/Service

Optical Transceivers

Source: IBM Microelectronics
A new family of high performance, next-generation fiber-optic transceivers has been introduced. The enhanced optical product family features...
A new family of high performance, next-generation fiber-optic transceivers has been introduced. The enhanced optical product family features small form factor (SFF) transceivers that are able to automatically switch between one or two gigabits per second (Gbps). This ‘frequency agility' enables customers to dynamically improve network performance without enduring hardware upgrades.

The SFF transceivers are optimized for use in interconnecting processors, hubs, routers and switches in storage area networks (SAN) and Network Attached Storage (NAS) applications. The product's simple, robust design also doubles the port density as compared to alternative optical solutions. Additionally, the SFF products are designed to maintain data and signal integrity throughout the transmission process and can support performance rates of current and future networking standards.

The versatile new short wave 2 Gbps SFF transceiver offers frequency agility and is currently available to customers in both pin through hole (PTH) and hot pluggable models. The long wave 2 Gbps SFF transceiver is currently sampling in both the (PTH) and hot pluggable units. The short wave SFF transceivers deliver reliable data transmission over optical fibers at distances of up to 550 meters using a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL). Long wave SFF transceivers use a Fabry-Perot laser that transmits up to 10 KM.

The company's PTH SFF transceiver models are optimal where a compact, permanent solution is required. Alternatively, the hot pluggable transceivers provide greater versatility where just-in-time system configuration or field upgrades are preferred.

The SFF transceivers are designed to easily connect to a system card through the industry-standard LC connector. The transceivers support the physical layer of the American National Standards Institute's (ANSI's) Fibre Channel standard and conform to industry-standard PTH format and footprint as well as the standard hot pluggable format and footprint.

IBM Microelectronics, 3039 Cornwallis Road # Q16A, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. Tel: 919-543-5701; Fax: 919-543-1413.