Hitachi and Opnext have displayed a100Gbit/s 10km single mode fiber (SMF) transmission using the new receiver in combination with a 1.3m-range 4-channel 25Gbit/s electro-absorption modulator integrated distribution feedback (EA/DFB) laser developed based on Hitachi’s and Opnext’s advanced technology as the light source. This new transmission attains the sensitivity needs of IEEE P802.3ba 100GBASE-LR4 standard being discussed. The new receiver developed is anticipated to become a key component in this international standard and support new high speed interface technology.

The first step to achieving a 1.3m-range 25Gbit/s WDM optical transceiver was the announcement of a 25Gbit/s EA/DFB laser suitable for the 100Gbit/s Ethernet, and verification of 12km optical transmission, which Hitachi and Opnext introduced at OFC/NFOEC 2008. This year, Hitachi and Opnext announced the development of a cost-effective 25Gbit/s optical receiver for the 100Gbit/s Ethernet, overcoming several technical issues, stated Masahiro Aoki, department manager, Nanoelectronics Research Department, Central Research Laboratory, Hitachi.

A study by IEEE High Speed Study Group (HSSG) demonstrated that by the year 2010, the bandwidth needed in core networking will be best satisfied by the 100Gbit/s interfaces. In preparation, the IEEE 802.3ba taskforce is currently discussing the specifications for the 100Gbit/s Ethernet, for which 1.3m-range 4-channel 25Gbit/s wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) 10km SMF transmission has been decided by the task force as the most attractive technology. This represents a ten-fold increase in speed from the current 10Gbit/s Ethernet standard.

The verification tests using an experimental transceiver, based on the new receiver in combination with an EA/DBF laser previously developed, not only satisfied the signal levels needed for 100Gbit/s Ethernet but also confirmed 25Gbit/s 10km SMF transmission.

This new technology will be presented at OFC/NFOEC 2009 to be held from March 22 to March 26, 2009 in San Diego, California, US.

Opnext is a US-based designer, manufacturer and distributor of optical modules and components.

Hitachi is a Japan-based developer of diversified product mix ranging from electricity generation systems to consumer products and electronic devices.