3 October 2011

Opnext launches next-gen 100G DP-QPSK coherent transponder module

After first demonstrating the technology over North American and European networks more than 18 months ago, at the European Conference and Exposition (ECOC 2011) in Geneva, Switzerland (19-22 September) optical module and component maker Opnext Inc of Fremont, CA, USA has introduced its 100Gbps DWDM MSA transponder module. Based on the latest second-generation coherent technology, the OTM-100 offers performance, power, size and cost advantages over first-generation technologies and other alternatives in a 5” x 7” industry-standard module, claims Opnext.

The OTM-100 is a fully integrated, 100Gbps optical transponder that enables network equipment vendors to build 100Gbps metro, regional, long-haul, ultra-long-haul and submarine transport solutions. The 100G Digital Coherent Signal Processing LSI (DSP-LSI) in the digital signal processor is made by NTT Electronics Corp and is the product of the ‘R&D on High Speed Optical Transport System Technologies’ project which was supported by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Using soft decision forward error correction (SD-FEC), the OTM-100 module improves reach (minimizing or eliminating the need for regeneration points), simplifies network deployment rules and reduces operating costs.

The OTM-100 suits transport systems that are designed around 10Gbps engineering rules with inline dispersion compensation modules (DCMs) as well as newer systems without DCMs, says Opnext. It is built on coherent detection technology to tolerate linear fiber plant impairments such as chromatic dispersion (CD) and polarization mode dispersion (PMD). Also, the ability to apply digital signal processing techniques to remove channel impairments means that the new transponder modules will work in existing fiber plants designed for 10Gbps and, in some cases, even in fiber plants designed for 2.5Gbps, without any changes except for the transponder itself.

“Opnext has been leading the development of 100Gbps technology, including defining the ecosystem of the supply chain, for the past four years,” claims Mike Chan, president of the subsystems business unit and Opnext’s executive VP, business development & marketing. “Our strength is in leveraging our engineering know-how to put key technologies like coherent to work to deliver best-in-class performance,” he adds. 

“Over the next three years, the WDM transmission market will rapidly transition from 40Gbps to coherent 100Gbps as carriers take advantage of the better cost-per-bit performance of 100Gbps,” reckons Andrew Schmitt, optical directing analyst with Infonetics Research Inc. “The availability of 100Gbps coherent technology from module vendors like Opnext will help extend availability of this technology and drive the adoption of 100Gbps technology in carrier networks.” 

Opnext says that its plug-and-play technology will allow carriers to upgrade their existing line systems to 100Gbps without having to strand capacity or light new fiber. The technology eliminates the need for external dispersion compensation, which reduces cost, minimizes IP latency and allows for deployment over older installed fiber with poor transmission characteristics.

Opnext expects that the OTM-100 module will begin mass production starting in April 2012.

Tags: Opnext 100G DP-QPSK coherent transponder module

Visit: www.opnext.com