Optical Transceiver provides full duplex operation.
Press Release Summary:
Parallel optics QuadLink MSA is optimized for 10 gigabit operation across multiple industry standards, including Optical Internetworking Forum for SONET/SDH, InfiniBand(TM) and 10-Gigabit Fibre Channel. It is based on 4-channel, full-duplex architecture that operates over single-ribbon fiber cable. QuadLink MSA is compatible with SERDES and integrated switch silicon. Standardized management interface is provided.
Original Press Release:
W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. and Alvesta Cross-License Quadlink 10-Gigabit Optical Transceivers
August 20, 2002 - Elkton, Md. -- W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., a leading provider of cost-effective, high bandwidth, very short reach (VSR) fiber optic communications products, and Alvesta, a privately-held provider of optical communications products to telecom, datacom, and storage systems companies, today announced their decision to cross-license 4-channel parallel optic transceivers as defined by the QuadLink MSA, a multi-source agreement defining small footprint 4-channel optical transceivers.
QuadLink is the first parallel optics MSA optimized for 10-gigabit operation across multiple industry standards, including Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) for SONET/SDH, InfiniBand(TM), and 10-Gigabit Fibre Channel. It is based on an innovative four-channel, full-duplex optical transceiver architecture that
operates over a single ribbon fiber cable.
The two companies have entered into a technology iicense agreement that enables both companies to manufacture fully compatible 10-gigabit optical transceivers based on the same underlying optical, electrical, and mechanical design. A common design heritage provides true second sourcing and ensures the highest degree of plug compatibility and interoperability with other components within customer systems.
"Gore is excited to be a part of this MSA agreement," states Russell Shaller, global business leader for Gore's Fiber Optic group. "Not only will we help drive this common package and interface specification as the industry standard for compatible, connectorized 4-channel, full-duplex parallel optical transceivers, but our customers will benefit from the security of supply afforded by the combined capacity of multiple
manufacturers, as well."
"We are pleased to join forces with Gore to promote a cost-effective, multi-vendor standard for 10-gigabit optics," said Brian Button, Alvesta president and CEO. "As a top-tier optics supplier, Gore adds significant credibility to QuadLink and further validates our 4-channel architectural approach."
Industry standards supported by the QuadLink MSA include OIF-VSR4-03.0 for OC-192 VSR links, IB-4X-SX for InfiniBand architecture quad optical links, and 1200-M5-SN4P-1 for 10-Gigabit Fibre Channel VSR optics. QuadLink will also support the emerging OIF SFI-4 Phase 2 four-lane interface standard for
SONET/SDH OC-192 framers. The QuadLink MSA leverages the broad availability of electronic components optimized for four-channel operation. Specifically, the MSA is compatible with SERDES and
integrated switch silicon from a number of leading semiconductor manufacturers. Compatible products include quad and octal SONET/SDH SERDES and integrated switches supporting 4 x 2.488 Gbps data transfer, quad InfiniBand SERDES and 4x integrated switches operating at 4 x 2.5 Gbps, and four-channel XAUI SERDES for 10-gigabit Ethernet or 10-gigabit Fibre Channel applications operating at 4 x 3.125 or 4 x 3.1875 Gbps respectively.
The MSA footprint of 550 sq. mm is the smallest in the industry for 10-Gbps serial or parallel optics, taking 30% less board space than the next smallest solution. A unique field replaceable electrical connector avoids manufacturing issues associated with solderable optic modules. A standardized management interface is also provided. To obtain a copy of the QuadLink multi-source specification, refer to the participating companies' Web sites.
About W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. is a leader in providing high technology solutions for electronic, industrial, medical, and fabric applications. Headquartered in Newark, Delaware, Gore operates more than 45 facilities, has over a billion dollars in annual sales, and employs approximately 6,000 associates worldwide. Gore is well known for its unique corporate culture and is repeatedly named among the "100 Best Companies to
Work for in America." For more information, visit the Gore Web site at gore.comnelectronics, or call 1 (800) 445-GORE, or fax requests to 1 (800) 757-4673.
About Alvesta
Alvesta designs and manufactures optical technology for telecommunications, data communications, and storage infrastructure equipment. Alvesta's products enable cost-effective bandwidth transport for central office, enterprise data center, and storage area networks. Based on highly manufacturable and parallel optics modules, Alvesta's products accelerate the transition from electrical to optical communication for IP/SONET/SDH, InfiniBand, 10-Gigabit Ethernet, and next-generation Fibre Channel systems. Founded in April 1999, Alvesta Corporation is headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA and is privately held. Key financial backers include Enterprise Partners, Intel Corporation, Quantum Technology Ventures, Cypress
Semiconductor, and Hamarex Holdings Ltd. For more information, visit www.alvesta.com.
