ENGINEERING

BOULDER, CO -- Picolight today unveiled the industry's first 10 Gb/s serial-to-XAUI shortwave fiber-optic transceiver using a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). The module is the first standards-endorsed transceiver to implement 10 Gigabit Attachment Unit Interface (XAUI) technology. Picolight's transceiver supplements the company's 10 Gb/s transponder, introduced in May -- the industry's first 300-pin pluggable, 16-Bit Interface (XSBI) module for 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GE) and OC-192 very short reach (VSR) applications. "Combining XAUI transceiver chips from Broadcom Corporation to our 10 Gb/s optics has enabled Picolight to ship a compact, pluggable, low-power 10 GE module that simplifies our customers' systems," said Chris Simoneaux, Picolight director of product marketing. "The breakthrough is packaging," Simoneaux added. "At 10 Gb/s the XSBI transponder package is the prevailing solution. Grafting a XAUI transceiver into this form factor allows switch manufacturers to extend their system with minimal chassis and blade redesign. A current router or switch can be upgraded to 10 Gb/s Ethernet without a mechanical overhaul." In addition, Picolight has joined a consortium of leading companies to endorse and develop module definitions for the 10 Gigabit Pluggable (XGP) and XENPAK transceiver packages. "Together, the Broadcom(R) BCM8701 and BCM8011 transceivers and Picolight's optics comprise a complete, integrated module solution that facilitates the cost-effective deployment of 10 GE systems," said Marty Colombatto, vice president and general manager of Broadcom's Networking Business Unit. "Broadcom is excited to work with Picolight to create this solution." Picolight's newest 10 Gb/s transceiver is the latest in the company's Accelar(TM) suite of serial shortwave modules. By supporting the IEEE P802.3ae 10 GE specification with an integrated serial-to-XAUI shortwave transceiver module, Picolight helps extend Ethernet connectivity from the LAN into metro and wide area networks. For more information visit www.picolight.com