ASIP Introduces Low-Cost Optical Subassemblies Using Industry-Leading Integrated Optics Platform.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SOMERSET, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2004

ASIP's High-Speed Lasers Integrated into TOSA Package and Shipping

to Customers

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 the availability of two new products. The first product, the 10T3001, integrates ASIP's first-in-the-industry, 10Gb/s, uncooled 1310 nm Electro-absorption Modulated Laser (EML) into a low-cost Transmitter Optical Sub-Assembly (TOSA) and supports optical link distances up to 10km. The second product, the 10T3201, integrates ASIP's semi-cooled 1550 EML into a similar TOSA package and supports links up to 40km.

ASIP's 10T3001 and 10T3201 TOSAs are built on the company's patented Asymmetric TwinGuide(TM) (ATG) technology, a highly-scalable platform for monolithic photonic integration that delivers unprecedented levels of functional integration, low cost and world-class performance for fiberoptic networks of all kinds. The new products are designed to serve next-generation optical transceivers, such as XFP, X2 and XPAK, and established transceiver platforms like the XENPAK and "300-Pin" types. Sample quantities of the 10T3001 are available immediately, with volume production in the second quarter of 2004. The 10T3201 will be available in the second quarter of 2004.

"With these two new products, ASIP extends its leadership position in the market for 10Gb/s laser sources by offering its customers a more highly integrated solution that also leverages the unique advantages of our ATG platform," said Mike Decelle, ASIP president and CEO. "ASIP was the first in the industry to offer both an uncooled, 1310 nm EML and a semi-cooled, 1550 nm EML, and we have now extended that concept into a packaged subassembly that will simplify the design and improve the manufacturability of all generations of 10Gb/s optical transceivers."

"Our customers have told us that the two most significant challenges in the development of 10Gb/s transceivers are acceptable design margin and total power dissipation," said Milind Gokhale, ASIP co-founder and CTO. "These new products offer the best optical performance and lowest power dissipation in the industry. Outstanding optical performance translates into high design margins, which enable the lowest possible manufacturing costs."

Unlike traditional EMLs that operate at temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees C, the ASIP 1550 EML in the 10T3201 TOSA operates at a nominal temperature of 50 degrees C while maintaining both high optical output power and excellent chirp performance. This higher operating temperature reduces the total power dissipation in challenging applications such as XFP. This enables subsystem suppliers to design intermediate-reach transceivers that operate within the 3.5W power requirement of the XFP Multi-Source Agreement (MSA). The 10T3001 TOSA operates uncooled across a temperature range of 0 to 75 degrees C while maintaining SONET eye mask margins of 20 percent or more. The 10T3001 enables total transceiver power dissipation well below the 2.5W MSA requirement for short-reach XFP applications.

Both the 10T3001 and 10T3201 TOSAs come in a hermetic package that includes an isolator, a thermistor and an optional monitor photodiode. These products are available with a choice of LC, SC or "pigtailed" connector arrangements, as well as an optional, coplanar flex circuit for interconnection to transceiver drive circuitry. To aid subsystem designers, ASIP has developed a complete reference design that includes laser driver, monitoring and bias control circuitry. Later in 2004, ASIP will offer a 1550 nm TOSA capable of supporting optical link distances of up to 80km.

About ASIP, Inc.

ASIP, headquartered in Somerset, N.J., is an emerging 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].