ASIP Introduces Industrial Temperature Range Laser For 10Gb/s Optical Transceivers; Third-Generation 1310 nm Uncooled EML Delivers Industry-Leading Temperature Range of -25 to +90 degrees C.

SOMERSET, N.J. -- ASIP, Inc., a pioneer in the development of advanced, photonic integrated circuits and a leading provider of high-speed lasers for next-generation optical transceivers, today announced an enhanced version of its uncooled 1310 nm Electro-absorption Modulated Laser (EML). ASIP's new 10T3081 TOSA extends the temperature range of the existing 1310 nm 10Gb/s TOSA to an industrial range of -25 to 90 degrees C, allowing customers to deploy high-speed optical links in the most demanding environmental conditions such as the outside plant.

The 10T3081 TOSA provides an extended temperature range of -25 to 90 degrees C through a new, novel laser design that provides high power, single-mode operation over a very wide temperature range. ASIP's 10T3081 EML is built using the company's patented Asymmetric TwinGuide(TM) (ATG) technology, a highly scalable platform for monolithic photonic integration.

Unlike Directly-Modulated-Lasers (DML), the operating bandwidth of ASIP's uncooled EML is independent of temperature and maintains high extinction and mask-margin, even at very high temperatures. The ASIP 1310 EML does not require complex, RF characterization to achieve performance specifications. Instead, only a simple DC measurement guarantees minimum mask margins of 30 percent for GbE links and 15 percent for SONET links. This combination of DC characterization and high-operating margins greatly reduces testing costs, while improving total manufacturing yield.

The 10T3081 supports data rates up to 10.7Gb/s and link distances up to 10 km as specified by Telcordia GR-253-CORE, ITU G.691, and IEEE 802.3ae. The ASIP 1310 EML also provides industry leading and the highest reliability in a 10Gb/s laser source. Based on testing to Telcordia GR-CORE-468 requirements, the ASIP 1310 EML delivers a 20-year, wear-out failure rate of less than 1 FIT, at a use temperature of 55 degrees C. Even at an elevated use temperature of 70 degrees C, the ASIP 1310 EML has a wear-out failure rate of just 7 FITs. In addition, testing to date indicates a random failure rate of less than 100 FITs (55 degrees C use temperature; 90 percent confidence level). These results demonstrate the inherent reliability of ASIP's EML, the ATG integration platform and ASIP's manufacturing process control.

"The introduction of the 10T3081 reinforces ASIP's continuing leadership in the market for high-performance 10Gb/s lasers," said Mike Decelle, ASIP president and CEO. "Our customers have told us that system designers are looking to deploy high-speed optical links in greater densities and in increasingly challenging thermal environments. This third-generation laser is designed to support these expanded applications."

Sampling now and generally available in commercial quantities in the fourth quarter of 2005, the industrial temperature range EML will be offered in ASIP's Telcordia-qualified and low-cost TOSA package and also will be RoHS compliant. The product will be available in three form factors: the 10T3081 TOSA with LC receptacle, the 10T3082 TOSA with SC receptacle, and the 10T3084 TOSA with a fiber pigtail. The product line is suitable for use in XAUI-based transceivers such as XENPAK, X2, or XPAK, for XFI-based transceivers such as XFP, as well as 300-pin transponders.

About ASIP, Inc.

ASIP, headquartered in Somerset, N.J., is a leader in the development of advanced photonic integrated circuits, including high-speed laser sources and high-sensitivity photodetectors at both 10Gb/s and 40Gb/s. ASIP is the first company to provide integrated lasers at 10Gb/s transmission rates without requiring the use of thermoelectric coolers. These lasers are enabling the rapid deployment of 10Gb/s optical technology throughout the communications industry. The company was founded in July 2000 based on several years of research and development at Princeton University. ASIP's Asymmetric TwinGuide(TM) (ATG) technology is a highly-scalable platform for monolithic photonic integration and delivers unprecedented levels of functional integration, low cost, and world-class optical performance.

For more information, customers may visit ASIP's Web site at www.asipinc.com or contact ASIP's sales office at 1-866-708-ASIP. Customers outside of North America may call [phone]. Fax inquires may be directed to [phone], or email inquiries to [e-mail].