Mitsubishi Electric Announces Sale of EAM-LD and PD Devices for Optical Transmission

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (President and CEO: Setsuhiro Shimomura) announced today the development of an electroabsorption modulator laser diode (EAM-LD) device and a photo diode (PD) device, both for 40Gbps optical transmission. The 40Gbps EAM-LD device is the world’s first1 laser module with a laser diode (LD), a monolithically integrated electroabsorption modulator (EAM) and a built-in driver IC all in one package, while the PD device realizes high response at the opposite end. Sample shipment will begin on April 1, 2008.

Aim of Sale

With increased Internet traffic in recent years, service providers have been rushing to expand transmission volume of optical communication networks. To fulfill the demand for active replacements of networks to a transmission speed of 40Gbps from the previous 10Gbps, which enable higher optical transmission speed between metropolitan area networks and routers, transmission equipment manufacturers are looking for a small and low-priced optical transceiver that can also be mounted with high-density inside their equipment.

Meanwhile, the optical output stage inside transceivers involves LDs, EAMs and their drivers. These three parts had already been integrated in one package for 10Gbps applications, but not yet for 40Gbps. Optical transceivers for 40Gbps previously installed two modules: the discrete EAM-LD device and the driver IC. Transceivers also needed improvement in efficiency when converting optical power to/from electrical current.

The newly developed laser module is the world’s first device with a built-in driver IC, while the PD device with a built-in pre-amplifier IC shows improved efficiency compared to previous models when converting optical power to electrical current. These devices will make transceivers smaller and lower-priced, thus contributing to a more high-speed and stable optical transmission at 40Gbps.

Product Features

1. World’s first 40Gbps EAM-LD device with built-in driver IC (FU-642SEA) - The 40Gbps EAM-LD device is the world’s first laser module with an LD, a monolithically integrated EAM and a built-in driver IC, all in one package. By integrating the discrete transmitter device and their driver IC, the new laser module realizes stable transmission, while helping to make transceivers smaller with fewer components. It also improves optical waveform, which was previously caused due to the use of coaxial cables for high-frequency connection, thus saving adjustment time for examination in the production process as well as reducing other costs.
2. Highly responsive waveguide PD module for high sensitivity 40Gbps detection (FU-342SPP) - Owing to the newly developed waveguide PD with an optical waveguide shaped detection area, the PD device has a 50 percent improved efficiency (sensitivity) when converting optical power to electrical current of 0.9 amperes/watt, compared to previous 40Gbps PD devices. High sensitivity of this device helps realize stable transmission.
3. General interface for 40Gbps electrical interface (FU-642SEA, FU-342SPP) - The dual SMPM connectors for differential operation between modules and digital signal circuits make system designing easier for transmission equipment manufacturers.