Parallel Optical Links Support Data Throughput Rates Of 30 Gb/s

Targeted for use with high-end telecomm and datacomm equipment, the ParaLink family of parallel optical links is a 12-channel, parallel fiber transmitter and receiver pair. The transmitter is based on an 850-nm VCSEL array and the receiver uses a pin-photodiode array.
The links are classified into two groups: one operating at 1.6 Gb/s and the other operating at 2.5 Gb/s. The 2.5 Gb/s group allows throughputs up to 30 Gb/s. The optical interface is an MT ferrule-based surface-mount connector, with the link completed via a multimode, 12-fiber ribbon cable. The devices operate on a 3.3V power supply and support both LVDS and CML interfaces. Other features include a 72-pin package having a 58 mm x 17.9 mm footprint. The devices also have an integral heatsink. Prices start at $1,000 per link.