NeoPhotonics will demonstrate its new 64Gbaud, polarisation-multiplexed, quadrature micro-modulator (Micro-MOD) at the OFC 2017 Exhibition in Los Angeles, on 21–23 March.
The micro-modulator represents a significant step in enabling small form factor capability for next-generation high-speed optical links. When coupled with a high-bandwidth Micro-ICR and ultra-narrow linewidth tunable laser, the Micro-MOD will enable 400G and 600G coherent transceiver modules and line card applications that require small size, high bandwidth and low power dissipation.
The Micro-MOD is intended to align with the Optical Internetworking Forum’s recently-announced project to develop an Implementation Agreement for a ‘High Baud Rate Coherent Modulator Function’. This new modulator type is designed for applications in pluggable coherent CFP2-ACO and CFP2-DCO modules as well as on transport line cards.
The Micro-MOD comes in a small form factor package measuring 3.9 x 27 x 13mm, which co-packages a quad-channel, differential 64Gbaud driver chip with an indium phosphide based Mach-Zehnder quadrature modulator chip. By integrating the drivers inside the modulator package immediately adjacent to the low-power modulator chip, the total power requirement is just 4.5W. The module can be configured with optional surface mount or flex connections, to provide flexibility in component placement. The modulator has a bandwidth greater than 40GHz and exhibits low insertion loss.
Commenting on the announcement, Tim Jenks, chairman and CEO of NeoPhotonics, said: “This device is an excellent example of our advanced hybrid photonic integration capabilities as it depends on a close integration of driver and modulator chips made out of different high-performance materials to achieve superior performance, low power, high reliability and stability.”