Gennum debuts 3-Gbps video optical modules/ADVA Optical Networking adds to Ethernet access line

APRIL 6, 2009 -- Gennum Corp. (search Lightwave for Gennum) says it has introduced the world's first 3-Gbps SDI video optical receiver modules that can enable "zero penalty" pathological performance. Both the dual-channel and single-channel receivers will enable video broadcast equipment manufacturers to offer robust links on their video broadcast products, such as cameras, routers, and monitors, capable of transporting 3-Gbps SDI video across optical links. The modules will be demonstrated at the company's booth at the National Association of Broadcasters Show (Booth #SU9111) being held April 18-23, 2009, in Las Vegas, along with other 3-Gbps offerings from Gennum. The desire to send high-definition SDI video across longer distances has prompted the need for devices capable of sending video across fiber-optic networks; however, the components within traditional optical receivers were not designed with the intent of transmitting SDI video. Unlike mainstream data communication protocols, SDI video can contain pathological data patterns that result in performance degradation. The company says it has improved its receiver sensitivity by 5 dB with the new devices. Says Alex Bond, senior product manager for Gennum, "Integrating the best of Gennum's video and optical component offerings, these new modules have been designed from the ground up for video transport. As a result, they deliver the performance and features required to allow 3-Gbps SDI optical transport to become pervasive throughout the video broadcast market." The two new video optical devices are the GO2926 dual-channel and GO2916 single-channel receivers. The receivers implement patented transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs) and receive optical subassemblies (ROSAs) to enable receive sensitivity of -23 dBm at 3 Gbps for a PIN-based video optical receiver. Both modules are designed to receive optical serial digital signals and convert them to electrical serial digital signals as defined in SMPTE 297-2006. The modules support SD-SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI. Pin-compatible with Gennum's first-generation GO2920 modules, the GO2926 and GO2916 are available in a pluggable hot-swappable industry-standard SFP package. The GO2926 and GO2916 are expected to sample in May. APRIL 20, 2009 -- ADVA Optical Networking (search Lightwave for ADVA Optical Networking) has extended its FSP 150 line of Ethernet access products with the FSP 150CC-324. As the latest member of the Etherjack family of intelligent Ethernet transport products, the FSP 150CC-324 is designed to deliver a host of features for Ethernet demarcation, extension, and aggregation. It is intended for out-of-region applications, enabling up to 90-Mbps of Ethernet service to be delivered over a bonded pair of DS3s or E3s. ADVA Optical Networking says the new platform enables the company to support delivery of intelligent Ethernet in a consistent manner over virtually any access technology a service provider may wish to use. The line also enables service providers to deliver ubiquitous Ethernet services with a common look and feel. The FSP 150CC-324 is engineered to enable Ethernet extension off-net over leased single or bonded pair DS3 or E3, adding Ethernet capability to existing ADMs, radios and other transport infrastructure. That means providers may offer new services and develop new revenue streams using existing lines that were not previously Ethernet-capable with minimal additional investment. The FSP 150CC-324 is temperature hardened for deployment in outdoor cabinet applications such as mobile backhaul. Intuitive provisioning capabilities eliminate technically intensive installations, enabling quick and easy field deployments without the need for highly skilled staff, the company says. Once in place, the device's remote OAM features minimize the need for expensive truck rolls and provide remote visibility into SLA conformance, ADVA adds. Service providers save money because fewer hands must touch the device. The FSP 150CC-324 can be used to support Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF)-based services, including Ethernet Private Line, Ethernet Virtual Private Line, Ethernet LAN, and E-tree, both on-net and off-net. Four customer-facing Ethernet service ports, an SFP socket for optical handoffs, and advanced service definition capabilities make the device capable of supporting multiple customers or multiple services over a single or bonded DS3/E3 WAN uplink. Individual customers and services are separated within the WAN using an MEF User Network Interface (UNI) function that includes support for VLANs and Ethernet virtual circuits. Equipped with the company's Etherjack technology, the FSP 150CC-324 is designed to provide an intelligent Ethernet demarcation point that includes an 802.1ag-, Y.1731-, RFC 2544-, and 802.3ah-compliant NID for OAM functionality. The device also includes an MEF-certified UNI to provide advanced services definition. In addition to Y.1731, the NID supports Etherjack Service Assurance (ESA) for in-service SLA monitoring. The device also provides up to eight classes of service with strict priorities and Weighted Round Robin scheduling across EVCs.