ALPS Developed FLUF Series of Network Modules and FLTA Series of Optical Transceivers; Optical Communication Products for FTTH and Other Network Access Systems
TOKYO--July 8, 2003--ALPS Electric Co., Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan: Masataka Kataoka, President) has developed the FLUF series of network modules for single core, bi-directional optical communications access. This series of network modules realizes high optical output power of 2.0dBm and a low crosstalk level of -44dB. The mounting area size of the circuit board in this series has been reduced 40% compared with ALPS' previous products. We also have developed the FLTA series of optical transceivers by combining the network modules from the FLUF series with drive circuits for tuners using high frequency technology, which have demonstrated excellent performance. Sample shipments of the FLUF series products and the FLTA series products will commence in late July and late September 2003 respectively. Both products will be exhibited at InterOpto '03 in Makuhari, Chiba, which starts on July 25th, 2003.As part of the e-Japan initiatives announced by the Japanese government, Fiber To The Home (FTTH) is to be introduced into 10 million households nationwide by 2005. This has prompted a rise in demand for FTTH, which is a replacement for the copper telephone lines that have traditionally connected switching centers and households, enabling reception and transmission of large volumes of information at high speed by using optical communication. In response to new demands in the optical communications access market, in 1996 ALPS developed and released network modules for optical communications access. As our third-generation products in this field, the network modules and optical transceivers with electronic circuit boards we have released this time are designed to satisfy new demands in the growing FTTH market and other network access systems markets.
FLUF series of network modules
Unique optical design technologies allows for a reduction of the mounting area size of the circuit board by 40% compared with our previous products, and achieves high optical output power and low crosstalk levels.
We have significantly revised the design of our first- and second-generation products in network module series. By developing and using new aspherical glass lenses, we have reduced the mounting area size of the circuit board by 40% to realize a compact module with dimensions of 12.2 mm (W) x 10.8 mm (D) x 6.6 mm (H). This also contributes to space conservation in the finished products. Moreover, we have succeeded in achieving the industry's highest levels of optical output power of 2.0 dBm and low crosstalk of -44dB by utilizing ALPS' aspherical lenses and multilayer thin film filters incorporated in our other products. To assemble the modules of various components, we have used yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser welding technology, which provides stable and highly reliable attachments.
FLTA series of optical transceivers
Optical transceivers that combine our highly acclaimed network modules with circuit boards backed by ALPS' proprietary high frequency technology.
The FLTA series is a line of optical transceivers that combine the network modules of the FLUF series and drive circuits. To create these circuits, we have utilized our accumulated expertise in high frequency technology applied to TV tuners, data modules, and other various high frequency products. Consequently, we have succeeded in reducing noise levels and achieving an effective circuit structure. Integrating optical technologies and high frequency circuits enables us to respond to the continuing trend toward greater speeds and smaller sizes. In addition, by utilizing our unique circuit design technology, the product adopts burst mode and is compatible with the ITU-TS'(*1) Broad PON (BPON)(*2) standard.
*1 ITU-TS: International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication
Standardization Sector
*2 BPON: Broadband Passive Optical Network, one of the FTTH
standards for image transmission
We have a comprehensive lineup of optical communication products, such as lenses, network modules, circuit boards. This product portfolio strengthens our ability to offer total solutions. We will further strive to expand our product development and release new products in the optical communication market, which we expect to continue to grow in the future.
Principal Applications
Passive Optical Network (PON) and other network access systems
Sales Plan
FLUF series of network modules
Sample shipments: Late July 2003
Sample price: 20,000 yen
Planned monthly production: 30 thousand units (April 2004)
Development and production site: Kakuda Plant, Communication
Devices Division (Kakuda City,
Miyagi Prefecture)
FLTA series of optical transceivers
Sample shipments: Late September 2003
Sample price: 30,000 yen
Planned monthly production: 50 thousand units (April 2004)
Development and production site: Kakuda Plant, Communication
Devices Division (Kakuda City,
Miyagi Prefecture)
Specifications
FLUF series of network modules
Operating temperature range -0 to +70 deg C
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Storage temperature range -40 to +85 deg C
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Fiber Single mode fiber
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Connector SC connector
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Optical output power 2.0dBm
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Wavelength Transmission 1310nm
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Reception 1550nm (1490nm)
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Crosstalk -44dB
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Dimensions 12.2 x 10.8 x 6.6 mm
(W x D x H)(*3)
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*3 Fiber, LD/PD, and terminals excluded
FLTA series of optical transceivers
Operating temperature range -0 to +70 deg C
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Storage temperature range -40 to +8 deg C
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Power supply voltage +3.135V to +3.465V
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Power supply current 350mA (Max.)
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Transmitter Wavelength 1260nm to 1310nm (FP-LD)
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Data rate 155.52Mbps (Burst mode)
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Mean output power -1.5dBm to +3.5dBm
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Receiver Wavelength 1480nm to 1580nm (PIN-PD)
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Data rate 622.08Mbps (Continuous mode)
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Min. Sensitivity -28dBm and below
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Dimensions 54.1 x 41.0 x 9.0 mm
(W x D x H)(*4)
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*4 Fiber and terminals excluded
* A photo of this product can be downloaded from the Company web
site at http://www.alps.co.jp/e/press/new2003/0708_e.htm
Outline of ALPS Electric Co., Ltd.
Since its establishment in 1948 ALPS has grown as a comprehensive manufacturer of electronic components. At present ALPS is creating innovative high-value-added products in its main business segments -- Components, Magnetic Devices, Communications, Peripheral Products, and Automotive Electronics -- which are contributing to the advance of a digital society.
ALPS is a global company that carries out its operations with 23 production bases in 8 countries as well as 60 sales bases in 13 countries. Consolidated net sales in the year ended March 31, 2003 amounted to 601,816 million yen.