Bookham readies SFP transceiver module for DWDM networks

Bookham Inc. is aiming to steal a lead over other transceiver module suppliers readying parts in the SFP format that target 100GHz spaced DWDM applications.

It will be highlighting the availability of qualified samples of a DWDM module of in the small field pluggable format at the OFC/NFOEC show, which takes place between 8-10 March in Anaheim, California.

The company says the 120km reach module, operating at rates up to 2.7Gbps, simplifies wavelength management, offers new configurations and provides a solution to fiber exhaust, as well as adding DWDM support to existing SFP cards.

Designed to conform to the standard of the emerging DWDM SFP MSA document, the new device uses a compact transmitter optical sub-assembly (TOSA)-packaged version of the Bookham buried-heterostructure DM laser. This laser has many million device hours of actual field use, over 70 percent of which are in DWDM applications.

Bookham admits industry samples of DWDM SFP modules have been available for close to one year now but suggests none of these have fully met the required performance. Finisar has also been developing SFP transceivers that operate at distances up to 120 km in DWDM networking designs.

Robert Baker, vice president of product marketing at Bookham, said: "The availability of [our] WDM SFP will change that and we are confident we will be one of the first with a fully performing, qualified production part."

Baker stressed Bookham will continue with its discrete component offerings and its 50 GHz spacing pluggable DWDM module -- the MQ25.

The first in a new range of SFP and XFP DWDM pluggable modules, the IGP28111 is now shipping as final alpha samples. Beta samples are scheduled for April and full production release with all C-band wavelengths will be available in the third quarter of this year.

- John Walko

EE Times