Wednesday, February 29, 2012

NTT Electronics (NEL) Announces 100G DSP-ASIC




(February 29, 2012) -- YOKOHAMA, Japan--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Abstract: NTT Electronics (NEL), a leader in the integrated optical and electronic component technology for the 100G and higher data rate optical communications, announced the availability of low power consumption Digital Signal Processor ASIC, an enabler of coherent 100G fiber optical communication systems. The chip was used to successfully carry out a 100G line-side vendor interoperability demonstration. With the availability of this lower power product, NEL continues to demonstrate its industry leadership of both optical and electrical, integrated optical internetworking forum (OIF) compliant, modules becoming a one stop shop for the industries 100G coherent component needs.

In order to address the network bandwidth requirements arising from the 1.5 times per year growth in internet traffic, carriers are increasingly moving towards coherent 100G transport systems. Coherent technology delivers the scalability and flexibility needed for transmitting bandwidth more cost-efficiently over fiber optic networks. Having achieved technical feasibility, the 100G DWDM systems are on the verge of volume deployment.

The Digital Signal Processing (DSP) ASSP (Application Specific Standard Product) plays a very important role in 100G deployments as it provides Chromatic Dispersion (CD) compensation and Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) compensation without using expensive optical devices.

Moreover, the Soft-Decision (SD) Forward Error Correction (FEC), which is included in the ASIC, improves the Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio (OSNR) margin making the 100G systems backward compatible with existing 10G/40G systems. In order to be first to the market, some system vendors are developing in-house ASICs, which are limited to their internal use; these chips are not expected to be readily available in the industry. While this strategy is helpful in early deployments, availability of DSP-ASSPs in the open market is highly desirable for wide scale adoptability and rapid deployment of 100G.

NEL is supplying the 100G coherent ASSP to the industry including many worldwide module and system vendors. This will enable the carriers to select interoperable equipment from multiple system vendors. The NEL-ASSP incorporates the results of "R&D on High Speed Optical Transport System Technologies" supported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications of Japan. Multiple vendors have already adopted the NEL DSP-ASSP as announced in the recent press releases from Fujitsu Optical Components (FOC), Opnext , Oclaro and NEC. [1-4]

The issue of high power dissipation from the DSP-ASSP in the line-side transponder module was highlighted in a recent report: "100 Gigabit: An operator view - Gazettabyte, October 25, 2011" [5], where Steven Gringeri of Verizon states: "I think you can fit the optics in but I'm very concerned about the power consumption of the DSP - these DSPs are 50 to 80W in many current designs".

"Today, NEL announced that it is starting shipments of NLD0629BCB a lower power version of the DSP-ASSP having digital core-logic power dissipation of less than 40W, which is about 50% power savings compared to available industry solutions, enabling OEMs to maximize the number of 100G slots per system", said Dr. Hibino, Vice-President Sales for NEL. The chip will support a full-duplex transceiver with unprecedented integration, combining a DSP with advanced modulation (Dual Polarization QPSK), analog to digital converter (ADC), and SFI-S/OTN-MLD(OTL4.10) client side interface. The chip has industry-leading chromatic dispersion tolerance of +/-40,000ps/nm and polarization mode dispersion tolerance of 100ps.

Availability of NEL's ASSP chip is truly a game changer for the industry as it not only enables lower cost 100G solutions for the long haul systems, commensurate with the OIF power dissipation guidelines, but it also makes possible the next generation modules and cards for the metro networks enabling the economies of scale needed for the mass deployment of 100G. Having multiple sourced, interoperable, optical transceivers will greatly improve the health of the supply chain for 100G coherent DWDM systems.

"This lower power DSP contributes to an energy efficient eco-system and leads to improved space efficiency" said Dr. Tomizawa, Senior Research Engineer for NTT.

The results of a successful interoperability demonstration were reported at the Photonic Internet Forum (PIF) Workshop held on 22nd February 2012 [6]. The tests were carried out jointly by 2 module vendors [1,2], and a system vendor[4]. The detail result will be shown at the upcoming Optical Fiber Communications Conference (OFC) in Los Angeles from March 4-8, 2012, market watch and an invited oral presentations of Dr. Tomizawa (NTT).

NEL will present results of the low power ASSP interoperability testing at the upcoming OFC 2012. The presentation will be accessible by invitation only.

References:

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About NEL

NEL has been developing and commercializing optical communications devices since 1995. It has complete portfolio of optical and electronics products to cover the industry needs for 100G systems, ROADM components and FTTH networks.

NEL is Headquartered in Yokohama, Japan with offices in Saddle Brook, NJ and Shenzhen, China.

For more information, please visit http://www.ntt-electronics.com/en/about/overview.html



ElectroniCast at the OFC/NFOEC


See ElectroniCast at the FTTx Resource Center

March 4 - 8 (Exhibits open March 6 - 8) at the Los Angeles Convention Center

The Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exposition/ National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference (OFC/NFOEC) has been a destination for converging research and solutions in telecommunications, optical networking and, recently, datacom and computing.

ElectroniCast - Hand Hand OTDR Market Forecast (2011-2016)


Private Enterprise Networks – Increase by 4x              Consumption of (handheld) OTDRs for the deployment and maintenance of optical fiber in Private Enterprise networks is forecast to increase at a factor of four-times (4x) from 2011 to 2016, as fiber optic testing within LANs (local area networks) and data centers (DCs) increase, driven by critical high-speed data applications.

For more information on the ElectroniCast Hand-Held OTDR Global Market Forecast --

Fluke Networks Enhances AirCheck Wi-Fi Tester with OptiFiber Pro OTDR



The OptiFiber Pro OTDR is the first handheld OTDR (optical time-domain reflectometer) built from the ground up for enterprise fiber testing. Performance breakthroughs of the OptiFiber Pro OTDR allow users to reduce costs associated with premise fiber testing, while enhancing productivity and improving network reliability.

The OptiFiber Pro OTDR creates a new standard for usability with a smartphone interface that supports gesture-based commands, and technology enhancements that simplify testing in datacenter environments.

“Enterprise fiber use is growing at 57 percent a year, which increases the frequency and importance of fiber testing necessary to minimize issues that can be devastating to network operations,” said Jason Wilbur, vice president of datacom cabling and installation tools at Fluke Networks. “Our new OptiFiber PRO is aimed squarely at the challenges our enterprise customers are facing today. The tester’s new smartphone interface dramatically reduces the learning curve associated with using an OTDR, and the simplified DataCenter Mode will help industry technicians immediately solve problems in mission critical datacenter environments.”

Key new features include:

    The first OTDR with a smartphone user-interface: Minimizes the learning curve typically associated with older OTDRs by greatly reducing complexity – helping any technician quickly become a fiber expert.

    A simplified “Datacenter” Mode: Automates the process of setting test parameters, like wavelength or end-detection algorithms, significantly reducing set-up time and the complexity of learning how to troubleshoot datacenter problems.

    The industry’s shortest event and attenuation dead zones: Tests connectors and patch cords as short as 0.5 meters. This is critical in virtualized server environments, where connections are often less than one meter and hidden performance issues can severely decrease the reliability of datacenters and storage area networks (SANs).

    Visual presentation of faults: Shows all fiber events graphically allowing any user to quickly and easily interpret OTDR trace results.

    Built-in project management tools: Facilitates the assignment and tracking of all fiber testing projects for multiple users, increasing efficiency, enhancing project tracking visibility and enabling cost-effective device sharing.

    Upgraded LinkWare management software: Eases the burden of workflow management, integrates test results, and keeps the OTDR up-to-date with the latest software.

ElectroniCast - Hand held OTDR Market Forecast - People's Republic of China

Hand-Held OTDR Market Forecast  --  Telecommunications led in relative market share with 79.3 percent of People’s Republic of China (PRC) consumption value of hand-held OTDR device units in 2011; increasing to a 83 percent share in the year 2016.

The Cable TV (CATV) category also consumes a relatively sizable share of the total consumption with 16.2 percent last year in 2011; however slipping to 11 percent in 2016. 

 For more information about the ElectroniCast OTDR Market Forecast... contact me at stephen_montgomery@electroniCastconsultants.com

ElectroniCast - Fiber Optic Sensor Market Forecast

Sensing Applications, OTDR used to Detect Localized Measurand   The use of OTDRs is a well-established technique for fault/imperfection location and diagnostics in fiber optic communications applications, as well as in manufacturing, warehousing, installation, and maintenance. However, OTDRs are also used in specialty or sensing applications; OTDRs can be used to detect localized measurand - induced variations in the loss or scattering coefficient of a of a continuous sensing fiber. OTDRs are often used with intrinsic distributed sensor systems, which are particularly attractive for use in applications where monitoring of a single measurand is required at a large number of points or continuously over the path of fiber.

A Continuous Distributed fiber optic sensor system involves the optic fiber with the sensors embedded with the fiber, plus electronics, connectors, data acquisition module, software, and miscellaneous components; however, ElectroniCast quantifies the optical fiber, cable (fiber jacket) and the sensor elements in our forecast data (only). 

Some distributed fiber optic sensors use multiple Point sensors, which are networked together with optical fiber, creating a point-to-point (multi-point) distributed line; however, we do not consider it a continuous (non-stop) distributed intrinsic fiber optic sensor line.  The very nature of a Point sensor, by our definition, is a stopping point therefore the sensor line is not continuous.

According to the Fiber Optic Sensor Market Forecast study by ElectroniCast, the consumption (use) value of fiber optic sensors used in continuous distributed systems will increase from $608 million last year in 2011 (up from $435 million in 2010) to $3.814 billion in the year 2016.

For more information about the ElectroniCast Fiber Optic Sensor Market Forecast... contact me at stephen_montgomery@electroniCastconsultants.com

PMC-Sierra, Inc. : PMC is First to Market with Symmetric End-To-End 10G-EPON SoCs

10G-EPON ONU and OLT SoCs Provide Advanced Features to Reduce Deployment Costs and Lower Power Consumption by 50%

PMC-Sierra, Inc., (Nasdaq:PMCS) or PMC, announced the commercial availability of an end-to-end symmetric 10G-EPON fiber access System-on-Chip (SoC) solution. PMC's highly integrated PAS9000 Optical Networking Unit (ONU) and PAS8000 Optical Line Terminal (OLT) SoCs are the industry's first to support 10Gb/s downstream and 10Gb/s upstream access connectivity. This performance and feature integration enables carriers to provide advanced triple-play video on demand, high-speed Internet access and Voice-over-IP services to residential and business customers. Transitioning from EPON to 10G-EPON allows carriers to connect up to 10 times more subscribers per Optical Distribution Network (ODN), reducing OPEX and CAPEX per subscriber. PMC's 10G-EPON solutions are interoperable with deployed EPON equipment, allowing carriers to gradually upgrade their networks and deploy 10G-EPON ONUs alongside EPON ONUs.

The company's ONU devices feature the industry's most advanced integration to reduce system cost and power. Integrated synchronization functions enable backhauling of mobile networks over 10G-EPON, eliminating the need for external circuitry. Integrated power-saving modes reduce ONU power consumption by more than 50 percent, enabling energy-efficient networks.

"Carriers continue to seek ways to meet the demand for enhanced triple-play services and increased bandwidth, and 10G-EPON provides the answer with high reliability and low operational expenses," said Ofer Bar-Or, vice president and general manager of the PMC's Fiber to the Home Division. "As the market segment leader, PMC is paving the way for higher bandwidth networks at low power and high QoS. Our highly integrated SoCs allow easy migration from EPON and GPON to 10G-EPON."

PMC's 10G-EPON solution complies with IEEE 802.3av and China carrier specifications and is targeted at Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH), Fiber-To-The-Curb (FTTC) and Fiber-To-The-Building (FTTB) applications. All devices feature PMC's field-proven GigaPASS bridge architecture that achieves up to 10 gigabit data rates, and is already deployed in more than 20 million PON devices worldwide.

"10G-EPON provides one of the most cost-effective methods for service providers to deliver enough bandwidth across their access networks to support ever-increasing consumer demand for bandwidth-intensive devices like smart phones and tablets," said Jeff Heynen, directing analyst for broadband access and video at Infonetics Research. "Features like EPON and 10G-EPON interoperability and the availability of symmetric and asymmetric modes make EPON the most flexible and scalable fiber access option."

10G-EPON ONU Key Features

The PAS9000 family includes the PAS9301 asymmetric ONU and the PAS9401 asymmetric and symmetric ONU. The devices include a 10G-EPON MAC, SERDES, powerful embedded controller and GigaPASS bridge for advanced classification, queuing and filtering. An integrated programmable networking engine provides enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) that complies with China Telecom specification version 3.0, including IPv6 protocol support. PMC's scalable User Network Interface is configurable to up to four GbE interfaces, up to four 2.5Gb/s interfaces, or to a 10 Gb/s interface for Single Family Unit  or Multiple Dwelling Unit  applications. 

The devices include mobile-backhaul-over-EPON support with integrated Synchronous Ethernet and Time of Day delivery, as well as wire-speed throughput at all packet sizes, queuing, filtering and advanced QoS, and Ethernet connection to an external processor. The solutions reuse Pthe company's widely deployed EPON software packages, including the ONU software package, which is common for EPON and 10G-EPON ONUs, to preserve OEM investment and reduce time-to-market. PMC software supports low-footprint OS and Linux, featuring a 10G EPON protocol stack and networking drivers, IEEE 802.3av OAM protocol with operator-specific stacks and integrated peripheral drivers.

10G-EPON OLT Key Features

PMC's previously announced PAS8000 OLT devices integrate the most advanced fiber access capabilities on the market. An integrated traffic manager enables carriers to deliver new services to more subscribers. A complete, always-on toolkit for optical network and ONU inspection, consisting of an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) and Upstream Signal Analyzer, enables carriers to test outdoor fiber-optics lines while in service, preserving network uptime and providing significant OPEX and CAPEX savings.

Availability and Customer Support

The10G EPON ONU and OLT devices and reference designs are available now. For pricing and delivery information, contact a PMC sales representative at sales@pmc-sierra.com. A comprehensive support package, including datasheets and application notes, is available at www.pmcs.com/ftth-pon.

About PMC's Fiber Access Solutions

The company's end-to-end fiber access solutions provide a low-power, interoperable platform for our customers to deliver ultra-broadband services to homes and businesses worldwide. With turnkey silicon and software for all fiber access protocols (EPON, GPON, 10G-EPON and XGPON), PMC leverages a track record of PON leadership, innovation and reliability to meet the growing demands of digital and video traffic. For more information, visit: www.pmcs.com/ftth-pon.

About PMC

PMC (Nasdaq:PMCS) is the semiconductor innovator transforming networks that connect, move and store digital content. Building on a track record of technology leadership, the company is driving innovation across storage, optical and mobile networks. PMC's highly integrated solutions increase performance and enable next-generation services to accelerate the network transformation. For more information, visit www.pmcs.com.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Using Specially Designed Fiber Optic SpO2 Sensor

WINTER PARK, Fla., Feb. 20, 2012 — IRadimed Corporation, the innovator in patient fluid delivery systems for the MRI environment, announced the launch of the iMAGOX™ 2460 Non Magnetic MRI compatible SpO2 Monitor with state-of-the-art Masimo SET Technology inside. iMAGOX™ sets a new standard in development of products for MRI incorporating a Non Magnetic Design along with Masimo SET Technology and a fully functional wireless remote control, giving clinicians unparalleled ability to safely monitor their patients and interact with iMAGOX™ from outside of the scanner room.

Specially Designed Fiber Optic SpO2 Sensor     Similar to the company's other MRI compatible products, iMAGOX™ is designed from the ground up to work in the MRI and deliver safe, reliable patient readings. The system is intended for use in MRIs with magnet strength from 0.2T to 3T, and is completely operational up to the 10,000 Gauss line. The iMAGOX™ System also uses a specially designed fiber optic SpO2 sensor that, when used with the Masimo SET technology, provides reliable SpO2 readings during conditions of low perfusion and/or patient movement.

Unlike conventional SpO2 monitors, iMAGOX™ uses no wires to connect to the patient which have been known to cause serious patient burns, and the iMAGOX™ System is not attracted to the magnet like other standard SpO2 systems. The iMAGOX™ System’s large screen permits the patient’s SpO2 waveform and data to be viewed from several meters away. Transport to and from the MRI is made easy with iMAGOX™ System, as the Monitor is lightweight and can be easily attached to an existing IV pole or bedrail.

This combined with the system’s extended battery operation makes the iMAGOX™ System a great choice for continuous patient monitoring before, during and after the scan. iMAGOX™ also provides an optional wireless remote display/control that does not require any installation and gives the operator complete visibility and control from outside the scanner room.


iMAGOX™ will be shown at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) in Vienna, March 2nd – 5th 2012. Please stop by the IRadimed booth 511 located in Hall E to see this innovative new technology for the MRI.
The new iMAGOX™ is CE Marked and is currently marketed globally outside of the United States through the IRadimed international distributor network. To request a demonstration or a press packet, please contact sales@iradimed.com or call 1-407-677-8022 and ask for the IRadimed international sales department.
 
About IRadimed Corporation
IRadimed Corporation has vast experience in MRI safe products and Infusion Therapy. Our founder is the pioneering developer of the world’s first and best-selling MRI compatible monitoring system. Our staff has a combined 70+ years developing MRI safe products. iMAGOX™ has the full benefit of the experience and attention to details so important to the development of quality equipment which can be safely used in the MRI setting.

www.iradimed.com
iMAGOX™ is a Trademark of IRadimed Corporation
Contact:
Todd Weber
IRadimed Corporation
407-677-8022 Ext. 112
tweber@iradimed.com


NOTE: 
SpO2 is a measurement of the amount of oxygen attached to the haemoglobin cell in the circulatory system  (the amount of oxygen being carried by the red blood cell in the blood).  The "S" stands for saturation.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Lightower Fiber Networks Receives $380 Million


GE Capital’s Telecom, Media and Technology (TMT) financing business announced it served as administrative agent on a new $380 million credit facility for Lightower Fiber Networks, the premier metro fiber and bandwidth service provider in the Northeast,. GE Capital Markets served as joint bookrunner and joint lead arranger on the transaction.

“We have a long standing history with GE Capital, as they have a clear understanding of our sector and unique financing needs,” said Rob Shanahan, CEO of Lightower Fiber Networks. “The company’s ability to provide financing solutions in all markets, and in particular to the middle market, makes GE Capital a valued partner as we look to grow our business.”

Lightower is a portfolio company of Pamlico Capital, M/C Venture Partners and Ridgemont Equity Partners. GE Capital has led financings for Lightower since the initial acquisition of Lightower by M/C Venture Partners and Pamlico Capital in August 2007.

“The market was extremely supportive of this transaction, made evident in the deal being significantly oversubscribed,” said Pete Foley, senior managing director of GE Capital’s Telecom, Media and Technology. “We’re once again proud to support Lightower and an industry which is experiencing significant growth.”

About GE Capital, Telecom, Media and Technology

GE Capital’s Telecom, Media and Technology business provides financing to enable corporate growth, acquisitions and balance sheet refinancings to companies in the following industries: cable, towers, data centers, wireless, metro fiber, radio, TV, digital media, education services, software and in technology companies that enable these industries. With Access GE, clients also benefit from access to GE’s best practices. Visit gecapital.com/tmt.

About GE Capital
GE Capital offers consumers and businesses around the globe an array of financial products and services. For more information, visit gecapital.com or follow company news via Twitter (@GECapitalNews). GE (NYSE: GE) is Imagination at Work – a diversified technology, media and financial services company focused on solving some of the world’s toughest problems. Visit ge.com.

About Lightower Fiber Networks
Lightower Fiber Networks is the premier metro fiber and bandwidth service provider in the Northeast, , offering over 6,400 fiber route miles couple with comprehensive transport, alternative access, and nationwide long haul services. Lightower’s fiber footprint extends from New England, to eastern New York State, northern New Jersey, Long Island and New York City. With access to over 2,800 buildings, Lightower offers unparalleled regional density, performance, scalability, security and reliability in the Northeast. Lightower Fiber is headquartered in Boxborough, MA. For more information visit www.lightower.com or call 888-LT-FIBER.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

EXFO - optical fiber assessment within Access and LAN/WAN networks

QUEBEC CITY, Feb. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - EXFO Inc. (NASDAQ: EXFO) (TSX: EXF) announced today the integration of its proprietary OTDR-based iOLM technology to the FTB-720 LAN/WAN Access test module. Thanks to the added features, the new FTB-720 iOLM speeds up and simplifies optical fiber assessment within access and LAN/WAN networks, as well as data centers.

Having gained worldwide recognition in FTTH deployments, the iOLM application has now been optimized to meet short-span point-to-point testing needs during construction and troubleshooting of access and LAN/WAN networks. Powered by the Link-AwareTM technology, the iOLM helps service providers build error-free networks using a multipulse approach to fully characterize events on the entire link—from the front end to the far end—through a single-button operation.

Thanks to its self-setting parameters and intuitive interpretation of graphical results, the iOLM eliminates tedious instrument training and repeated truck rolls; it also reduces the level 2 support required from expert technicians, who can dedicate this precious time to more added-value tasks.

"Just like in virtually all types of networks, access, LAN/WAN and data center operators are currently looking for ways to deploy more quickly, yet more simply and with greater reliability," said Étienne Gagnon, EXFO's Vice-President of Product Management and Marketing. "With its visual representation using icons for each link event and clear pass/fail verdicts, the iOLM enables any technician to easily perform tests that are absolutely accurate the first time. The addition of the iOLM to the FTB-720 module reiterates EXFO's continued commitment toward developing this technology and helping customers significantly reduce operational expenses."

Consistent with this focus on providing network operators with enhanced, OPEX-reducing test routines, EXFO is also releasing a new version of its data post-processing software. FastReporter 2 offers a more powerful, all-integrated package of advanced features to edit, analyze and document test results performed on entire networks. This enhanced version reduces manipulations, simplifies the user's experience and boosts post-processing efficiency—enabling faster job completion and faster transition to the next job.


About EXFO
Listed on the NASDAQ and TSX stock exchanges, EXFO is among the leading providers of next-generation test and service assurance solutions for wireline and wireless network operators and equipment manufacturers in the global telecommunications industry. The company offers innovative solutions for the development, installation, management and maintenance of converged, IP fixed and mobile networks—from the core to the edge. Key technologies supported include VDSL2, ADSL2+, 3G, 4G/LTE, IMS, Ethernet, OTN, FTTx, and various optical technologies (accounting for an estimated 35% of the portable fiber-optic test market). EXFO has a staff of approximately 1800 people in 25 countries, supporting more than 2000 telecom customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.EXFO.com.

EXFO Brand Name
The corporate name of the company is EXFO Inc. The company requests that all media outlets and publications use the corporate name ("EXFO Inc.") or abbreviated name ("EXFO") in capital letters for branding purposes. EXFO would like to thank all parties in advance for their cooperation.

SOURCE EXFO INC.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

ElectroniCast - GAGGLE

This BLOG provides vital information related to the Fiber Optic Communication / Optical Communication field.  Stephen Montgomery, a senior consultant at ElectroniCast Consultants is constantly conducting both primary and secondary market and technology information research.  Be sure to check-out his BLOG on a daily basis.

The term “Gaggle” refers to an informal news briefing by ElectroniCast staff on current and interesting items to them, which are then relayed to the BLOG for all to review.

Definition of “Gaggle” from Wikipedia

A gaggle is a term of venery for a flock of geese that isn't in flight; in flight, the group can be called a skein.

In terms of geese, a gaggle is equal to at least five geese.

In terms of salt, a gaggle is equal to eight fifty pound bags of salt. Usually one layer on a skid.

In military slang, a gaggle is an unorganized group doing nothing. In aviation, it is a large, loosely organized tactical formation of aircraft.

In the field of systems biology, The Gaggle is an open source software framework for exchanging data between independently developed software tools and databases to enable interactive exploration of data.

Press Gaggle -- A "press gaggle" (as distinct from a press conference or press briefing) is the nickname given to an informal briefing by the White House Press Secretary which (as used by press secretaries for the George W. Bush administration) is on the record, but disallows videography. The term can also be used to refer to the informal interactions between the press and the press secretary that occur before a videotaped press briefing.

One former member of the White House Press Corps provided the following historical context:

"Gaggles" historically refer to informal briefings the press secretary conducts with the press pool rather than the entire press corps....they were more or less off the record, and their purpose was mostly to exchange information - the president's schedule and briefing schedule, from the administration side; heads-up on likely topics or early comment on pressing issues, from the news side....When the President traveled, sometimes the press secretary would hold a gaggle with the press pool that travels on Air Force One - not every time, but sometimes, and always informally.

In contrast, Ari Fleischer does a gaggle on the plane every time the President goes out of town, and a transcript is made available for press corps members who weren't on the plane. These mid-air mini-briefings are the "gaggles" you can find transcripts of on the White House website.

The nickname is thought to stem from the idea that these more freewheeling press sessions, where the talk is much more rapid and free-form, are like a "gaggle of geese" honking. For example, the blog maintained by Newsweek magazine's political reporters is called The Gaggle; on their main page, their definition for "gaggle" when used to refer to the Washington, D.C. press, is "a flock of reporters pecking at a politician."


New Type of Optical Fiber with its Own Integrated Electronic Component

Scientists at the University of Southampton, in collaboration with Penn State University have, for the first time, embedded the high level of performance normally associated with chip-based semiconductors into an optical fibre, creating high-speed optoelectronic function.
The potential applications of such optical fibres include improved telecommunications and other hybrid optical/electronic technologies. This transatlantic team will publish its findings in the journal ‘Nature Photonics’ this month.

The team has taken a novel approach to the problems traditionally associated with embedding this technology. Rather than merge a flat chip with a round optical fibre, they found a way to build a new kind of optical fibre with its own integrated electronic component, thereby bypassing the need to integrate fibre-optics onto a chip.

To do this, they used high-pressure chemistry techniques to deposit semiconducting materials layer by layer directly into tiny holes in optical fibres.

Dr Pier Sazio, Senior Research Fellow in the University of Southampton’s Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), says: “The big breakthrough here is that we don't need the whole chip as part of the finished product. We have managed to build the junction - the active boundary where all the electronic action takes place - right into the fibre. Moreover, while conventional chip fabrication requires multimillion dollar clean room facilities, our process can be performed with simple equipment that costs much less.”

John Badding, Professor of Chemistry at Penn State, explains: “The integration of optical fibres and chips is difficult for many reasons. First, fibres are round and cylindrical, while chips are flat, so simply shaping the connection between the two is a challenge. Another challenge is the alignment of pieces that are so small. An optical fibre is 10 times smaller than the width of a human hair. On top of that, there are light-guiding pathways that are built onto chips that are even smaller than the fibres by as much as 100 times, so imagine just trying to line those two devices up. That feat is a big challenge for today's technology."

Dr Anna Peacock, from the ORC who holds a Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship, adds: “The incorporation of optoelectronic device functionality inside the optical fibre geometry is an important technological advance for future communication networks. In this sense, we can start to imagine a scenario where the data signal never has to leave the fibre for faster, cheaper, more efficient systems.”

The research also has many potential non-telecommunications applications. It represents a very different approach to fabricating semiconductor junctions that the team is investigating.

ORC Postdoctoral Researcher, Dr Noel Healy concludes: “This demonstration of complex in-fibre optoelectronic engineering is exciting, as it has the potential to be a key enabling technology in the drive for faster, lower cost, and more energy efficient communication networks.”

The research was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council of the United Kingdom and the U.S. National Science Foundation.

Source:  University of Southampton

Friday, February 10, 2012

ElectroniCast - Market and Technology Forecasting



ElectroniCast specializes in forecasting technology and global market trends in electronics, fiber
optics, light emitting diodes (LEDs), advanced photonics, integrated circuits, microwave/wireless,
and network communications . As an independent consultancy we offer multi-client and custom
market research studies to the world's leading companies based on comprehensive, in-depth
analysis of quantitative and qualitative factors.

ElectroniCast forecasts trends in communication networks and in the products and components
used in those networks. ElectroniCast conducts studies and provides forecasts in the worldwide
fiber optic/photonic, optoelectronic and network product industries. This includes technology
forecasting, markets and applications forecasting, strategic planning, competitive analysis, and
marketing/sales consultation. ElectroniCast Consultants, founded as a technology-based
independent forecasting firm, meets the information needs of communication industry planners and
related suppliers. These studies are either multiclient or custom.
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Serving Clients

The ElectroniCast purpose is to understand your problems, and to provide timely, high-quality
analysis and forecasts to help solve those problems. We focus on your interests. That's why over
80 percent of our business is with clients we have served before.

ElectroniCast conducts studies, and provides forecasts, in the worldwide fiber optic/photonic  and
optoelectronics industries. These studies are either multiclient or custom.

Multiclient studies and services are available to any subscriber. They are structured broadly, to be
useful to a wide range of clients.

Custom studies are tailored to the interests of a single client, and are proprietary to that client. The
custom study typically is narrowly defined. It may focus on strategic business planning, markets,
technology, competition, acquisition strategy, or any other information requirement.
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Research Areas

ElectroniCast covers Fiber Optics/Photonics, Optoelectronics, Communication-Related Services,
and Interconnection at all levels including:

Systems

Equipment and Subsystems

Components

Materials and Parts

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How To Get Started

E-mail me if you need a forecast or planning assistance. A general or custom
study will be proposed without obligation.
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Technology Focus

ElectroniCast concentrates on areas where future technology advancement will have a major
impact on new product and service market opportunities:

Fiber Optics

Network Communications

Advanced Photonic Products

LEDs and Illumination

Microwave Communication

Optical Wireless

The ElectroniCast staff includes analysts with strong backgrounds in these technologies. Much of
the ElectroniCast field research is aimed at analyzing worldwide laboratory activity and forecasting
the resulting technology trends. These technology forecasts are then applied to extensive end-user,
bottom-up market analysis. Input/output methodology is used as a cross-check of these user-based
market forecasts.
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Application Focus

ElectroniCast segments component and systems use into the following major application
categories:

Telecommunications

LAN/Private Data Networks

Cable TV

Military/Aerospace

Utilities

Specialty

Harsh Environment

Test/Medical Sciences

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We Help You Catch The Window

The product life cycles of high technology electronic products are short, and will continue to shrink.
For success, it is vital to target the right products for development and to introduce them to the
market at the right time. Decisions on major R&D and facility investments must be made before
competitors’ products seize the market—and these decisions must be made quickly.
ElectroniCast's fast-turn-around analysis and forecasts help you catch the windows of opportunity.
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Forecast Methodology

In analyzing and forecasting a product or service market, ElectroniCast combines several
techniques:
Product consumption and production history is determined by:
•        Interviews of the leading product or service users and producers ("dual track" primary
research)
•        Secondary research (a review of published information, including industry data, technical
papers, financial reports)
This research provides a consensus of the past history of the product or service: value, price
trends, application trends, leading producers and their market shares.

The forecast, working from this historical data, is based on interviews of:
•        Users (mainly design engineers who decide which product to specify)
•        Suppliers (manufacturers, distributors, transporters)
•        Researchers (industrial, government, university)
•        Government agencies

The short range (1-2 years) forecast is based mainly on a consensus of supplier and user
viewpoints. If adequate historical data are available, projections also may contribute to the short-
range forecast. These methods, however, are not suitable for long-range forecasts, especially for
advanced-technology products.

The long-range forecast is based upon the following sequence:
•        The advancement of technology of the product, competing products and the end applications is
forecasted based on interviews of researchers and other experts in the product field.
•        The economic significance of the advanced technology products is analyzed from the following
perspectives:   
•  Real value to user, determined by user interviews
• Displacement of competing products
• Creation of new markets                
•        The production of the end-use equipments or systems is forecasted.
•        Production costs, and thus minimum pricing, of the product at various quantity levels are
analyzed.
•        The demand forecast is derived by bottom-up, application-by-application analysis.
The analysis of cost-effectiveness and understanding of the user perception of risk of the product
provide insight into the rate of penetration of the product into the various end applications at its
minimum profitable price. Input/output analysis applies the penetration forecasts to the end-
application production forecasts to provide a cross-check of the product consumption forecast.
This consumption forecast is then adjusted by forecasted imports and exports, inventory change,
R&D use, and other non-production markets to derive the total production forecast.  Finally, by user
interviews, the production forecasts are segmented into captive (in-house) production versus
available (merchant) market. The forecast data are computer-processed and the forecasts are
available on CD Rom or via e-mail delivery.

Why ElectroniCast Consultants Leads

MATURITY

A base of over a quarter century of forecasting technology application and market trends of leading-
edge photonic and electronic products. No other consultancy compares to ElectroniCast
Consultants in the number of current, in-depth fiber optic component forecast reports.

ADVANCED PHOTONICS

Photonic Integrated Circuit Transceivers (PICs)
Optical Fiber Amplifiers (OFAs)
Optoelectronic Integrated Circuits (OEICs)
Massively Parallel Optical Interconnect (Masspar)
Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) Transceivers
Optical Crossconnect (OXC) Matrix Switches
Optical Add/Drop Multiplexers (OADMs)
Optical Backplanes (OBPs) and Motherboards
Internal Optical Interconnect

BOTTOM-UP ANALYSIS

The forecasted product is divided into its subsets (and sub-subsets). The significant applications
are identified. For each product subset, in each application, the base year consumed quantity and
its average per-unit price is estimated, based on in-depth interviews of both customers and
suppliers. This is repeated for each succeeding year of the forecasts. Quantity is multiplied to
obtain the value forecasts, at these lowest levels. The quantity and value forecasts are then
summed to obtain the total forecast. All of this bottom-up quantity, price and value data is provided
in spreadsheets with each report.

EXTRAORDINARY DATA BASES

The bottom-up forecast numbers are managed within extremely detailed spreadsheets which
support accurate forecasting of over 20 fiber optic component categories plus end applications
(equipment) and subsidiary piece parts. These forecast spreadsheets, in printout format, on CD, are
provided to each client.

The consumption quantities of various components are related to each other, as well as to the
quantities of consuming equipment and the quantities of supporting parts. This permits cross-
referencing of forecasts, to improve accuracy.

CONSULTANT RELATIONSHIP

Clients have access to forecast report authors and support staff for extended exploration and
clarification.  ElectroniCast maintains a continuing consulting relationship with its clients, providing
additional information as needed.

INDEPENDENCE

ElectroniCast is owned by its founder and staff, free from influence by outside ownership.
Excellence in forecasting and client service are the guiding principles.

CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP

ElectroniCast organizes and sponsors several fiber optic component industry conferences,
facilitating interaction among client and ElectroniCast staff with industry leaders in all areas




Industry Sectors

-Telecommunications
-LAN/Premise Data Networks
-Cable              
-Specialty 
-Military/Aerospace/Harsh Environment
-Test/Medical Sciences

Technology Sectors

-Fiber Optics
-Network Communications
-Advanced Photonic Products
-Optoelectronics
- LEDs and Illumination
-Microwave Communication
-Optical Wireless

Global

-Global Summary
-North, Central and South America (America)
-Europe, plus Middle Eastern and African countries (EMEA)
-Asia Pacific (APAC)

We Help You Catch the
Window!

























Skorpios Technologies, Inc. - Generation, Detection and Modulation of Light: CMOS

Skorpios Technologies, Inc. was founded in July 2009 as an optical communications company focused on revolutionizing the transceiver and subsystem supply chain to enable the delivery of truly next generation high speed infrastructure products.    

Together with their foundry partner, Skorpios designs, develops and manufactures integrated optical modules and subsystems in support of the entire opto-electronic communications ecosystem.

Skorpios’ technology allows the generation, detection and modulation of light to be monolithically integrated with high-speed electronic circuits in a standard CMOS-compatible process known as Composite-Semiconductor on Insulator (C-SOI) and is fully supported within existing standard CMOS foundry processes.

Their proven ability to offer all of these fundamental building blocks within the standard CMOS manufacturing environment is what differentiates Skorpios from other companies in this market space.

Back in November (2011) the company announced a follow-on investment to its Series B round of $19 million. The additional $2 million provided by T-Venture, Deutsche Telekom's venture capital company, brings total investment in the round to $21 million.

"We are delighted to welcome Deutsche Telekom to the investment syndicate," said Stephen Krasulick, president and CEO of Skorpios Technologies. "The support of global carriers, such as Deutsche Telekom, in addition to major equipment companies and systems integrators, validates the market need for Skorpios' differentiating component technology. Our platform is a key enabler to reducing costs and improving performance in next-generation optical communications equipment."

"The integration of today's separated building blocks into a single chip provides various important effects for our network, such as capex and opex savings at the aggregation layer and core, but also the economic enabling of new technologies that are essential to our strategy," said Bruno Jacobfeuerborn, Director of Technology, Telekom Deutschland GmbH. "We are happy to support Skorpios in the realization of this disruptive approach with the investment from T-Venture."

The $21 million in Series B funding will be used to expand Skorpios Technologies' infrastructure and complete the commercialization of its core technology, an advanced composite semiconductor on insulator technology that will enable the next generation of optical networking equipment.

Other investors in this round include leaders in the communications networking ecosystem, along with return venture capital investors Cottonwood Technology Fund and Sun Mountain Capital.
www.skorpiosinc.com.


About T-Venture
T-Venture Holding GmbH was founded in 1997 as a 100% subsidiary of Deutsche Telekom AG. Since then, T-Venture have invested in young companies that demonstrate economic and technological synergy with the business ideas of Deutsche Telekom and who also promise an above-average potential for growth. The company is based mainly in Bonn and supports and supplements the commitment of T-Venture of America Inc. in Foster City, Silicon Valley and in Seattle. Regional areas of core investment activity are in Europe, the United States of America and in Asia. Currently T-Venture manages the T-Mobile Venture Fund, the Connected Life and Work Fund, the T-Home Venture Fund, the T-Systems Venture Fund, and the T-Corporate Venture Fund.

About Cottonwood Technology Fund (CTF)
Cottonwood Technology Fund (CTF) is an early-stage technology commercialization fund with offices in El Paso, Texas, Los Alamos, New Mexico, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. It aims to cultivate the entrepreneurial community of the Paso del Norte region running along the Rio Grande River from Los Alamos, New Mexico to El Paso, Texas. It is an area rich in resources, host to two federal labs (Los Alamos and Sandia), two medical centers (the University of New Mexico Health Services Center and the Texas Tech University Health Services Center at El Paso), and four engineering schools and research universities (UNM, UTEP, NM Tech and NM State). Collectively, they represent more than $4.0 billion in annual research across critical fields such as Bio-Sciences, New Energy, Nanotechnology, Information Technologies, CleanTech and Aerospace. CTF will work to provide venture services and capital to tech transfer opportunities having strong commercial potential. 

About Sun Mountain CapitalSun Mountain Capital is an investment partnership formed by senior private equity professionals based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Firm’s professionals have a depth of experience in private equity that dates back to 1981 and have an extensive track record of creating value through fund advisory activities and direct investments in promising companies. Prior experience for the principals include employment at Credit Suisse First Boston, Morgan Stanley, Brentwood Associates, Fort Washington Investment Advisors, GE Capital, Kline Hawkes, and The Boston Consulting Group, among other top tier firms.



Fiber Optic: Modular Deployable Reel System (MDRS)


PORTLAND, OR, Feb 09, 2012  -- Timbercon, Inc., a fiber optics product and solutions manufacturing company, announced today the availability of its Modular Deployable Reel System (MDRS), a lightweight cable deployment system designed for mobile fiber optic installations. The reel system is ideal for applications requiring quick deployment and retrieval, particularly in harsh environments.

Timbercon's MDRS is constructed of high-impact glass reinforced polymer materials that are durable, lightweight and resistant to rust. There are five reel sizes available: 100M, 300M, 500M, 750M and 1000M. A retractable crank and handle system allows operators to easily rotate the reel during payout or take-up. The MDRS design also meets or exceeds all MIL-R-3241E requirements.

The modular design makes the deployment system ideal for applications where cable needs to be deployed, reeled-in quickly and then stored efficiently in tight spaces. The MDRS is easily transported in an optional carrying case that stacks and interlocks during transit. Timbercon also offers tripods for varying reel sizes, a deployment cradle and a reel backpack.

"Deploying and retrieving fiber optic cable quickly is cumbersome under the best of conditions and in harsh environments, it's even more difficult," said Nolan Pitts, Key Account Manager. "Timbercon's MDRS is a great improvement over traditional reels that can easily rust and are heavy to transport."

About Timbercon, Inc. Founded in 1997, Timbercon, Inc. is a fiber optic product and solution manufacturing company providing a wide array of connectivity solutions to the military, harsh environment, broadcast, medical, data storage, telecommunications, industrial and networking industries. In addition to standard fiber optic assemblies and attenuated loopbacks, Timbercon has pioneered proprietary products, many of which are now considered to be an industry benchmark. Additional company information can be found at www.timbercon.com .