ALPS announced Development of Small CAN-Type Aspherical Glass Lens; First to Be Compatible with Industry's Smallest TO-38 Stem.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 18, 2003

ALPS Electric Co., Ltd. has announced the development of a small CAN-type aspherical glass lens, which significantly enhances communication range and precision. The FLBT Series is the first to be compatible with the industry's smallest TO-38 (*1) stem, and is designed for use in laser diode (LD) modules.

Sample shipments will commence in April 2003. In addition, the FLBT Series will be on display at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference (OFC) in Atlanta in the United States starting on March 25, 2003.

(*1) The TO-38 stem is the metallic component used in LD modules and other coaxial optical devices (packages) and is the plate mounting for optodevices. The component is designed for use with a standard 3.8 mm diameter lens holder.

In recent years, data traffic has increased dramatically due to the spread of the Internet, the proliferation of corporate local area networks (LAN) and other network systems, and the diversification of service content. In addition to significant activity in the areas of ADSL and FTTH, the demand for increasing volumes of data communication has prompted the dramatic spread of optical communication in the form of Metro/Access Network Systems. In the recent past, Metro/Access Network Systems offered a service range of approximately 10km. Demands are now growing for enhanced transmission and a greater area of coverage ranging from between 40km and 80km.

This demand is driven by transceivers such as SFF (*2) and SFP (*3), the principal force behind two-way optical communication. In addition, there is an increasing need for miniaturization as providers and users look to conserve space.

(*2) Small Form Factor (SFF): the industry's standard dimensions for micro-optical transceivers

(*3) Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP): an SFF optical transceiver for application with an electrical connector

This product is used in LD modules, the backbone component in SFFs and SFPs. By employing its proprietary aspherical glass lens technology, ALPS has enhanced high coupling efficiency and increased LD output efficiency in optical fiber communication. With the development of the industry's first TO-38 stem compatible small CAN-type aspherical glass lens, the FLBT Series is supporting medium-range communication through Metro/Access Network Systems.

ALPS is the first company in the industry to develop an aspherical glass lens compatible with the TO-38 stem. This has greatly streamlined the configuration of LD modules and serves to conserve space through enhanced miniaturization. In developing a CAN-type lens, ALPS has also ensured high hermeticity in LD modules and significantly enhanced reliability.

(Main Features)

* A CAN-type micro aspherical molded glass lens, which boasts high coupling efficiency and high hermeticity. Compatible with the TO-38 stem.

(1) Compatible with a variety of TO-38 stems, boasting high

hermeticity

(2) CAN-type lens and stainless steel mount unified without the

use of glue

(3) High coupling efficiency, high-tolerance design

(4) Perfect for space-saving micro LD modules

(Principal Applications)

SFF/SFP, TOSA (*4), and other devices

(*4) Transmitter Optical Sub-Assembly (TOSA): a micro-transmission device

(Marketing Plan)

Commercial sample shipments   From early April 2003
Commercial sample price       5,000 yen
Planned initial monthly       50,000 units (target to April 2004)
 production
Development and production    Kakuda Plant, Communication Devices
 location                      Division, (Kakuda City, Miyagi
                               Prefecture)

(Typical Specifications)

--------------------- ------------------------------------------------
   Product Name                        FLBT Series
--------------------- ------------------------------------------------
Applied Wavelength                     1310/1550
        (nm)
--------------------- ------------------------------------------------
   Lens Material                      Optical Glass
--------------------- ------------------------------------------------
 Dimensions (mm)*      Top:3.2 (diameter)  Bottom:3.7 (diameter)
                                       Height:3.05
--------------------- ------------------------------------------------
  Multiplication                      M=2.5, M=3.5
   Factor (typ.)
--------------------- ------------------------------------------------
  Transmittance                            97%
       (min.)
--------------------- ------------------------------------------------

Dimensions for the CAN mount

*A photo of this product can be downloaded from the Company web site at http://www.alps.co.jp/e/press/new2003/0318a_e.htm

Outline of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd.

Since its establishment in 1948 ALPS has grown as a comprehensive manufacturer of electronic components. At present ALPS is creating innovative high-value-added products in its main business segments--Components, Magnetic Devices, Communications, Peripheral Products, and Automotive Electronics--which are contributing to the advance of a digital society.

ALPS is a global company that carries out its operations with 23 production bases in 8 countries as well as 54 sales bases in 13 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2002 amounted to 540,268 million yen.