Information contained in this news release is current as of the date of the press announcement, but may be subject to change without prior notice.
March 23, 2009
SAN DIEGO, CA-March 23, 2009-Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT / TSE:6501) and Opnext, Inc. (NASDAQ:OPXT) today announced the development of a highly sensitive high-speed 25Gbit/s receiver for the 100Gbit/s Ethernet standard being discussed for next-generation high-speed optical networks. Focusing on practicality and cost-effectiveness, the receiver module uses a coaxial package and achieves both high-speed and high-responsitivity by using a back-illuminated PD (photodiode) with a highly reflective reflector.
Working together, Hitachi and Opnext displayed a100Gbit/s 10km SMF (single mode fiber) CFP MSA transceiver using the newly developed receiver in combination with a 1.3µm-range 4-channel 25Gbit/s EA/DFB (electro-absorption modulator integrated distribution feedback) laser developed based on Hitachi's and Opnext's advanced technology as the light source. This transceiver achieves the sensitivity requirements of IEEE P802.3ba 100GBASE-LR4 standard being discussed. The receiver developed is expected to become a key component in this international standard and support next generation high speed interface technology.
"The first step to achieving a 1.3µm-range 25Gbit/s WDM optical transceiver was the announcement of a 25Gbit/s EA/DFB laser suitable for the 100Gbit/s Ethernet, and verification of 12km optical transmission, which Hitachi and Opnext introduced at OFC/NFOEC 2008. This year, Hitachi and Opnext announced the development of a cost-effective 25Gbit/s optical receiver for the 100Gbit/s Ethernet, overcoming several technical issues,” said Dr. Masahiro Aoki, department manager, Nanoelectronics Research Department, Central Research Laboratory, Hitachi, Ltd.
A study by the IEEE High Speed Study Group (HSSG)*1 showed that by the year 2010, the bandwidth required in core networking will be best satisfied by 100Gbit/s interfaces. In preparation, the IEEE 802.3ba taskforce*2 is currently discussing specifications for the 100Gbit/s Ethernet, for which 1.3µm-range 4-channel 25Gbit/s WDM (wavelength division multiplexing) 10km SMF transmission has been decided by the task force as the most attractive technology. This represents a ten-fold increase in speed from the current 10Gbit/s Ethernet standard.
Verification tests using an experimental transceiver, based on the newly developed receiver in combination with an EA/DBF laser previously developed, not only satisfied signal levels required for 100Gbit/s Ethernet but also confirmed 25Gbit/s 10km SMF transmission.
This technology will be presented at OFC/NFOEC 2009 to be held from March 22-26, 2009 in San Diego, California, U.S.A. Visit the Opnext at booth #902.
Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 390,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2007 (ended March 31, 2008) consolidated revenues totaled 11,226 billion yen ($112.3 billion). The company offers a wide range of systems, products and services in market sectors including information systems, electronic devices, power and industrial systems, consumer products, materials, logistics and financial services. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi.com.
Opnext (NASDAQ:OPXT) optical technologies add the spark of innovation to a world of new applications, from the latest communications networks to high-demand consumer electronics. The Company's industry expertise, future-focused thinking and commitment to research and development combine in bringing to market the industry's largest portfolio of 10G and 40G next generation products and solutions. Formed out of Hitachi, Opnext has built on more than 30 years experience of advanced technology to establish its broad portfolio of solutions and solid reputation for excellence in service. For additional information, visit www.opnext.com.
The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements. These statements may be identified by their use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," "will," "intends," "plans," "anticipates," "strive," "designed" and similar words. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, any statement or implication that the products described in this press release (i) will be successfully introduced or marketed, (ii) will be qualified and purchased by Opnext's or Hitachi's customers, or (iii) will perform to any particular specifications or performance or reliability standards. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that, if realized, could materially impair Opnext and Hitachi's respective results of operations, business and financial condition. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, factors discussed from time to time in financial reports filed by Opnext or Hitachi. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and none of Opnext or Hitachi assumes any obligation to update or qualify any of the statements made herein.
