Agere Systems Announces High-performance Receivers for Use in 10 Gigabit-per-second Optical Networking Systems.

Business/High Tech Editors

ALLENTOWN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 2001

Agere Systems (NYSE:AGR.A), the world leader in communications components, today announced a new set of high-performance receivers for optical networking systems.

These devices broaden Agere's current 10 gigabit-per-second (Gbit/s) receiver portfolio and extend Agere's ability to provide manufacturers of high-speed networks with the most appropriate solution for a variety of customer applications.

Agere's new single-ended receivers -- part of the R2860 family -- include the industry's highest-performing 10 Gbit/s avalanche photo-detector (APD) receiver, a 10 Gbit/s positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN) receiver with integrated limiting amplifier, and a 12.5 Gbit/s PIN receiver which enables super forward-error correction (FEC). These R2860 devices complement Agere's existing R192-series of 10 Gbit/s differential output receivers, and can be used in 10 Gbit/s short, intermediate and long-haul applications.

"These receivers are available in multiple configurations, giving systems makers the options they need in designing multi-channel dense wavelength division multiplexing systems and single-channel SONET/SDH systems," explained Ramzi Sawires, senior marketing manager for Agere's Access division. "In addition, all of the R2860 family of receivers feature identical packaging characteristics, making it easier for manufacturers to drop-in whichever receiver best meets their requirements."

Agere's 10 Gbit/s APD 1R receiver

Agere's RA2860D APD receiver offers best-in-class performance, with a 26 dBm dynamic range, -26 dBm sensitivity and zero dBm overload. APD receivers provide higher sensitivity than PIN-based receivers by using internal "avalanche" multiplication of light-generated electrons. Better sensitivity translates to lower demands on the transmission side and longer transmission distances. Overload measures how susceptible a receiver is to saturation due to optical input power.

"Our APD receiver's high sensitivity can help systems makers save on costs by using lower-power lasers or increasing the distance between amplified spans in an optical network," Sawires said.

The RA2860D is a 1R receiver, which combines a high-gain bandwidth photo-detector and a transimpedance amplifier (preamplifier) to provide a receiver with very high dynamic range.

Agere is currently offering samples of the RA2860D, and expects to begin offering production quantities by the end of 2001.

Agere's 10 Gbit/s digital 2R receivers

Agere is offering two versions of the R2862 10 Gbit/s PIN receiver. The R2862D is optimized for DWDM line-side (multi-channel) applications, such as an optical core switch. It provides a wide dynamic range with a two dBm overload. The second receiver, the R2862A, is targeted for single-channel SONET applications, such as a metro access add-drop multiplexer, and offers a sensitivity of -21 dBm.

The R2862D is a 2R receiver, integrating a limiting amplifier along with the pre-amp of a 1R receiver. A limiting amplifier is the second stage of an optical receiver, regenerating and "cleaning" a signal received from the photo-detector and transimpedance amplifier. By integrating a limiting amplifier, the receiver offers a threshold adjust feature which permits system makers to change the eye crossing point and better define the digital signal.

Like the RA2860D, samples of the R2862 receivers are available now, with production quantities expected by year's end.

Agere's 12.5 Gbit/s 1R receiver with super FEC

Finally, Agere has introduced a new 12.5 Gbit/s PIN receiver, called the R2860G, developed to complement super FEC capability. The R2860G has a sensitivity of -18 dBm and overload of +2 dBm.

Forward-error correction uses extra bandwidth to allow receivers to detect, isolate and correct any errors created in transmission, reducing a system's signal-to-noise ratio. Since super FEC typically uses 25 percent more bandwidth overhead, the R2860G has this added bandwidth and can maintain 10 Gbit/s transmission signals over the dynamic range.

Samples and production quantities of the R2860G are available now.

For more product information, customers may visit Agere's Web site at http://www.agere.com. Customers in the United States may contact the Agere Systems customer response center at 800/372-2447 (in Canada, call 800/553-2448; outside of the U.S./Canada, call 610/712-4323) or [e-mail]. Written inquiries may be faxed to 610/712-4106 or sent to Agere Systems, Room 30L-15PBA, 555 Union Boulevard, Allentown, Pa. 18109, USA.

Agere Systems is the world's No.1 provider of components for communications applications with leadership in optical components and integrated circuits. This dual capability uniquely positions Agere to deliver integrated solutions that form the building blocks for advanced wired, wireless, and optical communications networks. Agere also designs and manufactures a wide range of semiconductor solutions for communications-related devices used by consumers such as cellular phones, modems, and hard disk drives for personal computers and workstations. In addition, the company supplies complete wireless computer networking solutions through the ORiNOCO(TM) product line. More information about Agere Systems is available from its Web site at http://www.agere.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements based on information available to Agere as of the date hereof. Agere's actual results could differ materially from the results stated or implied by such forward-looking statements due to a number of risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, completion of the distribution or sale of Agere stock by Lucent Technologies Inc., customer demand for our products and services, control of costs and expenses, timely completion of employment reductions and other restructuring activities, price and product competition, keeping pace with technological change, dependence on new product development, reliance on major customers and suppliers, availability of manufacturing capacity, components and materials, general industry and market conditions and general domestic and international economic conditions including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations. For a further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see the prospectus filed by Agere with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2001, and Agere's subsequent reports on Form 10-Q. Agere disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.