GigOptix 40G DPSK optical modulator completes lifetime tests

The HTOL test, part of Telcordia’s GR-468 reliability regime, involved stressing the LX8401 optical modulator at 85C while the device was modulating a 1550-nm laser and being driven by a high speed electrical RF signal. This test simulated an accelerated 25-year lifetime of the product.

GigOptix says the prequalification modulators, which are based on the company's Thin Film Polymer on Silicon (TFPS) technology, showed no performance degradation after 1000 hours of testing. Measured performance parameters included insertion loss, drive voltage, extinction ratio, and bandwidth.

Said Dr. Raluca Dinu, GigOptix's vice president and general manager of GigOptix Bothell, "Following this successful prequalification test, we are now in the process of running full GR-468 qualification on these devices, including damp heat, mechanical shock and temperature cycling testing to be completed in the third quarter of 2011. We expect the LX8401 and subsequent modulators addressing both the 40G and 100G markets to be a major vehicle for future revenue growth as we capitalize on the rapid growth of these optical networking markets."