Pump Module Powers Up to 300 mW to Satisfy Market Demand for Higher Bandwidth,
Higher Channel Count and Greater Distances
SAN JOSE, March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- SDL, Inc. (Nasdaq: SDLI) announced today
a new generation of pump modules for use in erbium doped fiber amplifiers
(EDFAs). These new high power pump modules will be used in dense wavelength
division multiplexed (DWDM) fiber optic networks to satisfy the projected
increase in demand for higher channel count and longer transmission distance.
The SDLO-2700 Series utilizes SDL's new 6540 chip that has operated at over
500 mW of optical power, and an advanced fiber coupled package with reduced
dimensions that has greatly improved thermal performance. The combination of
new chip technology and new packaging techniques allows the introduction of
module power levels to 300 mW. The SDLO-2700 series is designed to meet the
performance and reliability requirements of the rapidly growing EDFA market
for long haul terrestrial DWDM networks as well as Metro/CATV networks.
The SDLO-2700 uses a new generation of chip specifically designed to
operate with SDL's patented fiber Bragg grating. This unique combination has
pushed the maximum power available from grating stabilized 980 nm pump modules
to a new high of 300 mW. Previously, SDL's highest power grating stabilized
pump modules operated at 180 mW. The use of fiber Bragg gratings with pump
lasers creates wavelength stabilized pumps that result in more stable EDFA
performance, independent of input signal wavelength. As one of the first
manufacturers of 980 nm pump lasers, SDL has leveraged its unique vertically
integrated laser diode capability and its considerable design and volume
production experience to meet new market demands.
SDLO-2700 Series modules are available now in sample quantities.
Production quantities are expected in the second half of 2000. According to
Gregory P. Dougherty, chief operating officer of SDL, "We believe the
2700-Series product line will enable new EDFA designs that will help to
satisfy market demand for higher bandwidth, higher channel count and greater
distances. This pump module uses SDL's 6540 chip which, we believe,
represents the most capable 980 nm pump chip in the world. This chip, coupled
with our new planar package, allows us to break through the 180mW barrier to
new highs for 980 nm pump modules. Because of the improved thermal
performance, reduced package height and ultra high power at a cost effective
price, we believe we will be positioned to penetrate markets in which SDL has
not previously participated."
SDL's products power the transmission of data, voice and Internet
information over fiber optic networks to meet the needs of telecommunications,
dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM), cable television and satellite
communications applications. They enable customers to meet the bandwidth
needs of increasing Internet, data, video and voice traffic by expanding their
fiber optic communications networks much more quickly and efficiently than
would be possible using conventional electronic and optical technologies.
SDL's optical products also serve a variety of non-communications
applications, including materials processing and printing. Additional
information about SDL, Inc. is available on the Internet at http://www.sdli.com .
Statements in this press release which are not historical including
statements regarding SDL's or management's intentions, hopes, beliefs,
expectations, representations, projections, plans or predictions of the future
are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include statements regarding
the potential applications for the SDLO-2700 Series products, the increased
benefits they will offer to the company's customers, the growing EDFA market,
the increasing demand for higher channel count systems and greater
reliability, the company's ability to penetrate new markets and to meet market
demand, the ability to ship production samples in the second half of 2000, the
ability to enable new EDFA designs, and the company's 980 nm pump module being
the most capable in the world today. It is important to note that the
Company's actual results could differ materially from those in any such
forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially include the company's inability to achieve expected power and
reliability levels in commercial production quantities, customer qualification
or manufacturing of the new product, lack of market acceptance, alternative
technologies, competitors' products, and the risk factors listed from time to
time in the Company's SEC reports including but not limited to, the annual
report on Form 10-K and 10-K/A for the year ended January 1, 1999, and the
quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, June 30, and
September 30, 1999.
For more information on SDL, Inc. at no cost, please call 800-PRO-INFO
(U.S.) or 732-544-2850 (Int'l), ticker SDLI .
SOURCE SDL, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.sdli.com
CONTACT:
Donald R. Scifres, Chairman and CEO, or
Michael L. Foster, VP Finance and CFO, both of SDL, Inc.,
408-943-9411; or General Info., Lisa Horn Chainey, Investors,
Susan Katz, or Media, Scott Marx, all of The Financial Relations
Board, 415-986-1591
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