LIGENT PHOTONICS ANNOUNCES THE INTRODUCTION OF ITS HIGH PERFORMANCE 3.3 VOLT SINGLE FIBER SINGLE MODE BI-DIRECTIONAL OPTICAL COMMUNICATION TRANSCEIVERS FOR OPTICAL FULL SERVICE ACCESS NETWORKS (FSAN), FAST EHTERNET, CATV AND FTTH APPLICATIONS

ST. CHARLES, IL, MAY 7,2003 – Ligent Photonics, Incorporated announces the introduction of 3.3 volt, low current, single mode, single fiber bi-directional optical communication products in compact, low cost SFF and 1X9 packages, which provide the optical communications system designer with a complete line of uplink and downlink 1310/1550 nm and 1550/1310 nm solutions for 155 Mb/sec and 622 Mb/sec full access networks (FSAN), APON, ATM, Fast Ethernet, CATV and FTTH equipment.

The products are offered in four product categories thereby providing the optical communications system designer a choice of Tx/Rx pairs, signal reach, data rate, pigtail or receptacle packages, and FP or DFB lasers where a single SMF fiber is required to carry both low bit error rate (BER) Tx and Rx signals 15 to 50 km.  They incorporate an internal high isolation WDM to separate the Tx and Rx channels and are mounted in 2X5 small form factor (SFF) or 1X9 industry standard MSA compliant packages.  The differential AC coupled Tx and Rx data interfaces are ECL 10K, ECL 10KH, ECL 100K and LVPECL compatible.  The single-ended LVTTL compatible logic functions include SD and Tx DISABLE that permit the receiver to detect incoming signals and permit the transmitter to be enabled or disabled.  The transmit optical subassembly (TOSA) incorporates either a high performance MQW FP or DFB laser and the receiver optical subassembly (ROSA) incorporates a high sensitivity PIN detector with diode matched TIA.  The on board electronics includes a wide dynamic range limiting amplifier and a high performance voltage to current source converter for driving the directly modulated lasers.  The incorporated FP or DFB lasers are Class I types and comply with international safety standards.  These products are intended for indoor applications where the operating temperature range is between 0 and 70 degrees Centigrade.

 "Ligent’s new range of low cost bi-directional transceivers is just the ticket for the exploding fiber to the home market, which is rapidly evolving in major markets.  These products set new standards in a market driven by demand for low cost and exceptional-performance components," said Dr. David Li, Ligent’s VP of Engineering. "They are an excellent choice for the wide range of global equipment manufacturers that are targeting the APON and FSAN markets.  The optics are designed, developed and manufactured internally giving the customer real value in terms of performance and cost, key differentiators in today’s highly competitive market. "

Ligent engages in the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of 850 nm, 1310 nm and 1550 nm optical communication bi-directional and duplex transceivers.  The products are widely applied in telecommunications and data communications.  A strong quality assurance program monitors all the factory processes, qualifies products according to IEC and Telcordia standards and requirements.  Ligent’s transceiver manufacturing facility is ISO9001, ISO14001, TL9000 and OHSAS 18000 registered.

Ligent Photonics, Incorporated designs, manufactures and markets a comprehensive portfolio of advanced optical components.  Based in St. Charles, Illinois, Ligent is a leading supplier of duplex and bi-directional optical communication transceivers, TOSA/ROSA products, high-performance wave division multiplexers and fused-fiber couplers.