RED-C Selects Aegis Semiconductor as Supplier of Tunable Optical Detectors for Self-Managed Optical Amplifier.

TEL AVIV, Israel and WOBURN, Mass. -- RED-C Optical Networks, Ltd. today announced the selection of Aegis Semiconductor as a primary supplier of Tunable Optical Detectors for its line of Self-Managed Optical Amplifiers. RED-C's Sentior(TM) 3550 is the first Self-Managed Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier and is now available with spectral monitoring functionality using Aegis' mosquito(R) TOD.

"The Sentior(TM) 3550 is the world's first optical amplifier to integrate low cost spectral monitoring capability within the amplifier control system," said Yossi Boker, CEO and Co-Founder of RED-C Optical Networks. "Aegis's cost effective tunable optical detector is an important building block of our intelligent optical amplifiers, which are designed for next generation agile optical networks."

RED-C has chosen Aegis Semiconductor as a primary supplier of Tunable Optical Detectors, which are tunable thin film filters each integrated with a single photo-detector in a low cost TO package. Current optical amplifier designs are not capable of dynamically monitoring spectral performance. Existing systems require a complex management layer to continuously monitor optical elements along the transmission line. The Sentior(TM) 3550 independently performs closed loop spectral monitoring and analysis, thanks to the Tunable Optical Detector integrated within.

The Sentior(TM) 3550 greatly simplifies and improves the reliability of the network management layer. The Sentior(TM) 3550 can, for example, be configured with a ROADM connected at the mid-stage access ports in line with a DCM module. The Self Managed EDFA can directly manage the spectral performance and OSNR of the ROADM module, while the network management layer can be dedicated to the function of switching channels on and off the optical network.

"Working with a leading edge optical amplifier manufacturer such as RED-C has been a great experience." said Matthias Wagner, founder and CEO of Aegis Semiconductor. "RED-C brings our low cost tunable thin films into the heart of the intelligent sub-system where it belongs and will re-write the book on fiber-optic transmission link engineering rules."

RED-C specializes in the design, development and production of state-of-the-art Dynamic (Variable-Gain) EDFA's, Raman amplifiers and Single Stage amplifiers. RED-C's new Sentior line of optical amplifier products implement a closed spectral feedback loop, which allows the integration of optical layer physical control into the sub-system level and facilitates the incorporation of future optical elements within the network.

Aegis Semiconductor offers a full suite of Optical Channel Monitoring products based on its Active Thin Films(TM) technology platform. Aegis offers Optical Channel Monitors that operate at 50 and 100 GHz spacing simultaneously and are available now. Aegis's Active Thin Films technology platform makes possible a new line of fiber-optic products at unmatched low prices that enable smart module designs for next generation DWDM systems.

About RED-C Optical Networking RED-C is a privately held company that specializes in the design, development and production of a comprehensive line of optical amplifiers. RED-C's technological expertise yields optical amplifiers that provide system vendors with unmatched performance and unique features. RED-C's products are shipped to leading system vendors world-wide. The self-managed EDFA is an important business milestone that strengthens RED-C's position as a leading and innovative amplifier manufacturer. More information can be viewed at www.red-c.com.

About Aegis Semiconductor Aegis Semiconductor is a privately held company that builds solutions for intelligent optical systems. Based on its tunable thin film technology, Aegis is the first company to deliver low-cost dynamic optical components that are reliable and easily manufactured using well-tested methods from the semiconductor industry. Aegis has secured more than $27 Million in funding from leading investors and venture capitalists including Vesbridge Partners, Alta Partners, YankeeTek Ventures, Technology Venture Partners, Stata Venture Partners, and Megunticook Management. The company is located in Woburn, Massachusetts, USA. More information can be viewed at www.aegis-semi.com.