NeoPhotonics Announces Shipment of 50 GHz, 8 Channel, Colorless AWG MUX/DMUX; Emerging Industry Leader in Optical Component Integration.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 1, 2003

NeoPhotonics Corporation, a leading provider of integrated planar lightwave circuits (PLC) and nanomaterials-based devices, today announced that shipments had commenced on its 8 channel, 50 GHz channel spacing, "colorless" combination MUX/DMUX arrayed waveguide grating (AWG) components. This product combines an 8 channel "colorless" AWG multiplexer (MUX) with an independent 8 channel "colorless" AWG de-multiplexer (DMUX) in a single standard size AWG package, effectively combining two components in one. In addition to 50% savings in size from the combination MUX/DMUX, the "colorless" feature results in significant inventory management simplification and savings. "Colorless" AWGs can be used interchangeably on any block of channels in the band. The utilization of colorless AWGs means that only one MUX/DMUX part number is required to cover all channel bands and can reduce the part numbers that must be kept in inventory by up to 90%.

"In today's market place carriers are looking for solutions that reduce both their CapEx and their OpEx costs," said Tim Jenks, CEO of NeoPhotonics. "Our new combination MUX/DMUX provides significant savings in both categories. Eight channel building blocks enable systems to be deployed efficiently block by block, achieving lowest first install coat and a 'pay as you grow' business model. Combining the MUX and DMUX into one unit saves space and is significantly less expensive than traditional discrete filter solutions. The 'colorless' feature results in reduced inventory and sparing costs.

"The shipment of 8 channel combination MUX/DMUX 'colorless' AWGs represents a major advance for PLC technology," said Paul Schroeter, Senior VP of Operations at NeoPhotonics. "Traditionally, PLC based AWGs have been considered dominant at high channel count. PLCs are now being used at 8 channels because of their superior performance and lower cost when compared to traditional filter-based products." NeoPhotonics will soon begin shipping 8 channel colorless VOA Multiplexers, which combine 8 independent VOAs with the colorless AWG. Self-monitoring using integrated taps and photodiodes have been added to both products to enable remote node management. These products complement NeoPhotonics' existing product line of 16, 32 and 40 channel AWGs, VOA Multiplexers and Self-monitoring (Smart) VOA multiplexers, which have been shipping for the last two years. Using these technology elements, NeoPhotonics is currently developing totally integrated fixed optical add/drop modules (OADMs) and reconfigurable optical add/drop modules (ROADMs).

NeoPhotonics is a privately funded developer and manufacturer of integrated optic modules for telecom, datacom, CATV and other markets. NeoPhotonics' backers include Bay Partners, Institutional Venture Partners, CDP Capital Technology Ventures, Rockport Capital Partners, Venrock Associates, SBV Venture Partners, Hydro Quebec CapiTech, Harris & Harris Group, Dow Corning and others.

NeoPhotonics Corporation (NEO(TM) = Nano Enabled Optics) is on the web at www.neophotonics.com.