Agere Systems Announces New 10/20/40 Milliwatt Distributed Feedback Lasers With Integrated Wavelength Lockers for 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 new high-power distributed feedback (DFB) laser modules with integrated wavelength lockers for use in high-speed optical networking systems.

Featuring wavelength selection and locking capabilities, these new lasers provide increased functionality and reduce fiber management complexity and board space requirements for system makers designing optical equipment for long-haul and ultra-long-haul applications.

Available in 10-, 20- and 40-milliwatt (mW) configurations, the laser modules are ideally suited for use with external lithium niobate modulators to send transmission signals across 10- and 40-gigabit-per-second (Gbit/s) optical networks. These laser modules eliminate the need for an external wavelength locker, so that the fiber coming out of the laser module needs only to be connected to the modulator.

"Agere's new DFB lasers offer the perfect solution for system designers looking to simplify both board design and fiber handling," explained Michael Chow, senior product manager for Agere's Optical Core Networks division. "System makers get the added functionality of wavelength-locking in the same-size package as standard laser sources."

For 10- and 40-Gbit/s optical networks, using high-power lasers can help overcome insertion loss (optical power loss) from dispersion caused by effects such as scattering and absorption that occur during signal transmission. High-power lasers can also help reduce the number of amplifiers along an optical span, giving systems makers significant savings in overall system costs.

The lasers are single-channel, ITU wavelength-selected devices that offer 50-gigahertz (GHz) wavelength spacings, which can double the capacity for networks optimized for 100-GHz channels. Each laser device contains two wavelength monitors for locking over a wide range of wavelengths, a unique configuration that can enable future use of wavelength-locked tunable laser sources and tighter channel spacing. This patented locker design is manufactured on a high-throughput automated manufacturing line which allows Agere to offer these devices quickly and in high volume. The integrated wavelength lockers greatly enhance long-term reliability and reduce chirp and mode dispersion when used with 10- or 40-gigabit-per-second modulators in high-speed optical networks.

The module's standard 14-pin butterfly package gives systems makers an integrated laser/locker solution without the need to completely redesign the transmission board, thereby reducing cost and time to market. The device also offers great long-term thermal stability and can provide a maximum frequency drift of only +/-2.5 GHz over 25 years.

Samples are currently available for the 10- and 20-mW (D2587P) laser modules, with samples of the 40-mW device expected in the fourth calendar quarter of 2001. All laser configurations will be available in production quantities in early 2002.

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 1-610-712-4106 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.