Multilink Introduces Small Form Factor CDR Module for 12 Gb/s Transmission Systems.

Business Editors

SOMERSET, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 4, 2001

Multilink Technology Corporation (Nasdaq: MLTC), a leading provider of advanced semiconductor-based solutions that accelerate the deployment of high-speed optical networks, today introduced the MTC5593 Clock and Data Recovery (CDR) module.

This high performance module provides customers with several advantages, including more than a 40% reduction in size (60.9 x 27.9 x 12.7 mm) from Multilinks previous generation CDRs, low power dissipation and superior jitter performance. The MTC5593 is designed to regenerate the clock and data component from an incoming 12 Gb/s Non-Return-to-Zero (NRZ) or a Return-to-Zero (RZ) data stream, and provide customers with a low jitter clock and retimed data.

"Multilink's objective is to provide customers economic solutions without performance compromises," said Gerry Juskovic, Director, Product Marketing. "The MTC5593 demonstrates Multilink's ability to combine its leading-edge technology capabilities, integrated circuits and higher level assembly expertise into top-tier products in cost, size, power and performance."

The MTC5593 module utilizes Multilinks proprietary rectifier to generate clock spectral components from the low-level input signals of the incoming data stream. This signal then proceeds through a high-Q dielectric filter to remove noise and false signals. That filtered signal is limited with a temperature stable Gallium Arsenide Positive High Emission Mobility Transistor (PHEMT) clock amplifier. This clock amplifier includes a built-in variable delay line to provide a tuning range greater then 90 ps. The result is a low jitter clock signal and retimed data, which is critical to customers with high performance transmission requirements.

The rectifier, high-Q filter and clock amplifier are optimized for temperature stability and includes a built-in temperature compensation circuit that further enhances the temperature stability. The high-Q filter is optimized for minimal jitter in accordance with ITU and Bellcore standards for SONET/SDH systems, which improves the customers transmit and recovery of RZ signals.

The MTC5593 uses field-replaceable Synchronous Multiplexer Add (SMA) connectors that can be specified as male or female for data input and output and a GPO connector for optional clock output. Additionally, the module is hermetically sealed against moisture, operates within a temperature range of -5 to 70[degree sign]C and consumes less than 2W of power.

Superior performance can be achieved when the MTC5593 is used in combination with Multilinks physical layer solution. The suggested Multilink product is the recently announced MTC1236 Demultiplexer with integrated Clock and Data Recovery (CDR-DMUX). Used in combination with Multilinks DMUX, the MTC5593 allows customers to perform phase tuning, which helps to properly time the capture of RZ pulses in Ultra Long Haul (ULH) transport systems and improve the bit error rate results.

Pricing and Availability

The MTC5593 is currently available. It is priced at $2650 in volume quantities of one thousand.

About Multilink:

Multilink Technology Corporation designs, develops and markets advanced-mixed-signal integrated circuits, modules, VLSI products and higher-level assemblies designed to enable the next generation of high-speed optical networking systems. By providing our customers with sophisticated products developed by utilizing systems level expertise and a high level of component integration, we facilitate our customers' ability to meet their time-to-market requirements. Our products span the markets from Metro to Ultra Long Haul optical transport equipment with a focus on the fastest commercially available speeds of 10 Gb/s and higher. Multilink is headquartered in Somerset, New Jersey with additional offices located throughout North America and Europe.

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