INDUSTRY

ANAHEIM, CA -- Hitachi Semiconductor (America) Inc. today announced the HR1161PDS, an exceptionally compact, low-voltage optical receiver module with 10-Gb/s capability. The optoelectronic device is designed for use in optical transceivers for high-speed short-to-medium distance communication links. The module combines two components: a photo-diode that converts the lightwave signals coming from an optical fiber into electrical signals, and a preamplifier that amplifies the electrical signals. Hitachi is exhibiting the new device at the Optical Fiber Conference (OFC), in Anaheim, Calif. To save space in transmission equipment, the 10-Gb/s receiver module measures only 17.4 x 7.4 x 2.6 mm. Its volume is about 0.3 cc, the smallest in the industry. To save power in transmission equipment, the optical receiver operates at low voltages. Hitachi optimized the structure and process of its photo-diode to achieve fast response at a supply voltage of 5 Volts. This voltage is 50 percent less than a conventional 10-Volt photo-diode used in other 10 Gb/s receivers. The module's preamplifier IC is built from a high-speed SiGe process and needs only a 3.3-Volt supply. By contrast, a conventional 10-Gb/s preamplifier requires a 5-Volt supply, over 50 percent higher. According to Peter Bellavigna, product manager of logic products at Hitachi Semiconductor (America) Inc., "The communications industry needs smaller, more power-efficient optical receivers and transmitters to expand the fiber-optic cable infrastructure. The HR1161PDS optical receiver module is a reliable 10-Gb/s solution that aids that network expansion by combining low-power operation with very small size." For more information visit www.hitachi.com/semiconductor.