Lucent Technologies announces suite of optical transceivers in compact packages for high-speed data communications systems.

Business & Technology Editors

ALLENTOWN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 5, 2000

Lucent Technologies (NYSE: LU) Microelectronics Group, the world leader in communications semiconductors, today announced a suite of optical transceivers in compact packages for use in high-speed data communications systems.

Called NetLight(tm) 2417, the suite consists of four transceivers that send and receive light signals across fiber-optic networks. Each transceiver in the suite is 50 percent smaller than transceivers a generation ago, meeting the so-called small-form-factor (SFF) multi-source agreement previously established by six leaders in the optoelectronics components industry. Transceivers under the SFF agreement follow a next-generation industry footprint just one-half-inch wide instead of one inch a generation earlier.

These smaller-size transceivers allow system designers to fit twice the number of transceivers on the same circuit board, thereby doubling port densities and reducing system costs. In addition, Lucent's suite of NetLight 2417 transceivers interfaces with Lucent's LC connectors. Developed by Bell Labs, LC connectors are high-density RJ-45-style connectors (similar to twisted-pair Ethernet plug and jack) used for single-mode and multimode fiber-optic applications in both public and private networks. Using the LC connector with SFF transceivers allows network equipment engineers to design circuit boards and panel cutouts to accommodate copper connectors as well as fiber-optic ports.

NetLight transceivers can be used in communications equipment such as hubs, network interface cards (NICs), routers and switches. The devices support Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and synchronous optical network (SONET) applications (from OC-3/STM-1 to OC-48/STM-16 data rates) and use a Fabry Perot (FP) laser and photo intrinsic negative (PIN) photodetector.

"Our family of new transceivers combines all the ingredients our customers are demanding - speed, integration and innovation," said Julie Tyger, marketing manager with the Optoelectronics division in Lucent's Microelectronics Group. "This new product suite offers a reduced footprint, multiple functions in the same package, and a full range of operating speeds. In addition, our transceivers interface with the LC connectors, which are quickly emerging as the connectors of choice by the majority of fiber component suppliers."

According to Fleck Research, a market analyst firm, well over two million multimode and single-mode LC connectors including cable assemblies are currently in use in the United States alone -- far more than any other SFF connector on the market. Additionally, Fleck Research estimates that over 100 complete premises network installations have been completed with LC-style connectors and hardware. Fleck forecasts that North American sales of both the single-mode and multimode LC connectors will reach $111 million by 2003, making it the most widely adopted connector in the industry.

The NetLight 2417 suite of transceivers joins Lucent's 1417 suite of transceivers to create a comprehensive portfolio of single-mode SFF transceivers. Samples of the NetLight 2417 suite of transceivers are available now and volume quantities are available now for most versions. Unit pricing starts at US $151.

The company's portfolio of optoelectronic components include analog and digital lasers, lithium niobate modulators, photodetectors, transmitters, receivers, transceivers, transponders, fiber amplifiers, and passive components in the telecommunications, cable television (CATV), data communications, and undersea markets. Lucent recently completed a $30 million expansion of its automated optoelectronics components manufacturing operation that is expected to quadruple output later this year.

For more product information, customers in the U.S. may call the Microelectronics Group Customer Response Center, 1-800-372-2447, Dept. N29. Customers in Canada may call 1-800-553-2448, Dept. N29. Written inquiries may be faxed to 1-610-712-4106 or sent to Lucent Technologies, Room 30L-15P-BA, 555 Union Boulevard, Allentown, Pa. 18103 USA.

Lucent Technologies, headquartered in Murray Hill, N.J., USA, designs and delivers the systems, software, silicon and services for next-generation communications networks for service providers and enterprises. Backed by the research and development of Bell Labs, Lucent focuses on high-growth areas such as optical and wireless networks; Internet infrastructure; communications software; communications semiconductors and optoelectronics; Web-based enterprise solutions that link private and public networks; and professional network design and consulting services. For more information on Lucent Technologies, visit its Web site at http://www.lucent.com.

Lucent's Microelectronics Group designs and manufactures integrated circuits and optoelectronic components for the computer and communications industries. More information about the Microelectronics Group is available from its web site http://www.lucent.com/micro.

NetLight is a trademark of Lucent Technologies. Photo available upon request.