Date: 23/11/2010

Avago unveils new optical components for high performance computing apps

Avago Technologies has introduced a new form factor for fiber-optic transceivers that enables increased port density in Ethernet and storage equipment. Avago says the new mini-SFP+ (mSFP+) pluggable modules enable 30 percent greater port density over industry-standard SFP+ transceivers, while delivering the same data-transmission performance for next-generation 10-Gbps Ethernet equipment designs and 8-Gbps Fibre Channel for storage applications.

The new mSFP+ transceivers incorporate Avago 850-nm Vertical-Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) and PIN detector technology and comply with the optical interface specification per IEEE 802.3ae 10GBASE-SR standards. The devices are designed for low power consumption with typical dissipation of 0.6W. Avago has teamed with multiple cage and cable suppliers to provide a complete 10-Gbps Ethernet mSFP+ solution.

"Avago is the market leader in 8- and 10-Gbps SFP+ transceivers, and our new mini-SFP+ devices integrate our proven technology in an innovative form factor that helps our world-class networking customers such as Brocade to deliver higher density networking equipment," said Tina Ohlhaver, marketing manager for fiber optic products at Avago. "Avago optical transceivers offer unparalleled reliability, with not a single VCSEL failure in the millions of 8- and 10-Gbps modules we have shipped to date."

The new four-channel parallel optic QSFP+ transceiver module for 40 Gigabit Ethernet applications is another product announced by Avago. The new AFBR-79E4Z QSFP+ transceiver modules enable data communication and interconnect applications that integrate four independent 10 Gigabit per second (Gbps) data lanes in each direction to provide 40 Gbps aggregate bandwidth. These pluggable modules are suggested as an alternative to copper interconnects for switch and router connections, data aggregation systems and backplane applications.

The AFBR-79E4Z QSFP+ modules are fully compliant to the IEEE 802.3ba 40GBASE SR4 specification, and they support the IBTA 4 x 10G QDR for Infiniband applications. The modules provide designers with maximum flexibility to support installations of varying cable links or for difficult cable plant installations. With data rates of 10 Gbps for up to 100 meters using OM3 fiber or 150 meters using OM4 fiber, the QSFP+ modules operate over multimode fiber systems using a nominal wavelength of 850 nm. The modules' electrical interface uses a 38 contact edge type connector while the optical interface uses either an 8 or 12 fiber MTP (MPO) connector.

Avago has also made available new 12-channel CXP transceivers support lane rates of up to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) for an aggregate bandwidth of up to 120 Gbps.
The new Avago CXP optical transceivers are compliant to both IBTA MSA specifications for CXP QDRx12 and IEEE 100GBASE-SR10 specifications. The modules incorporate the company's 850-nm Vertical-Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) technology, PIN array technology and integrated laser driver and receiver IC technology. The modules provide 10 Gbps performance per lane for up to 100 meters using OM3 fiber or 150 meters using OM4 fiber.

"Our CXP transceiver works with separate cabling to offer a pay-as-you-go fiber optic solution with lower total cost of ownership and easier installation," said Tina Ohlhaver, marketing manager for fiber optic products at Avago. "Avago has over a decade of experience in developing 12-channel parallel optic solutions, and we are leveraging this expertise and investment in building block technologies to support our customers with both standards-based and custom proprietary solutions. We are pleased to demonstrate this breadth in technology and innovation leadership with our parallel optics portfolio here at SC10."

Along with above three new products Avago Technologies has also announced a high-bandwidth, high-density parallel optic solution for short-range data and communication interconnect applications. The new 12-channel embedded MiniPOD parallel optics transmitter and receiver modules support lane rates of up to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) for an aggregate bandwidth of up to 120 Gbps.

"Our new MiniPOD 120 Gigabit optical interconnects offer a powerful combination of density, speed, performance and design flexibility, and are backed by our proven, high-volume manufacturing expertise," said Tina Ohlhaver, marketing manager for fiber optic products at Avago. "Avago offers the market's broadest range of high-density, high-bandwidth parallel optical interconnects, which allows us to meet unique customer layout and density needs."