GigOptix’s LX8401 Optical Modulator Clears Telcordia HTOL Test for 1000 Hours

GigOptix has announced that its Thin Film Polymer on Silicon (TFPS) product, the LX8401 40G DPSK Mach-Zehnder modulator (MSM), has been subject to Telcordia’s GR-468 High Temperature Operating Lifetime (HTOL) evaluation for more than 1000 h without reflecting any change in its operating performance, thereby clearing the prequalification assessment.

An essential part of Telcordia GR-468 assessment process, the HTOL test determines the MSM’s reliability as it modulates a 1550 nm laser. It achieves this by inducing stress at 85^oC, while the device is being stimulated by an electrical RF signal at high speed. This test increases the lifetime of the modulator by 25 years.

During the assessment, the modulator’s performance displayed no degradation. The parameters measured were bandwidth, extinction ratio, drive voltage, and insertion loss. Prior to the LX8401, GigOptix’s TFPS optical chips have crossed over 7000 h of assessment at 85^oC.

The Vice President and General Manager of GigOptix, Dr Raluca Dinu stated that after completing the prequalification test, GigOptix is gearing up to run the complete GR-468 assessment on the LX8401 by subjecting it to mechanical shock, damp heat and temperature cycling.

Designed using TFPS technology, the LX8401 is capable of functioning with a low drive voltage, thereby saving more power as compared to other modulators available in the market.