Embedded OTDR - SFP Optical Transceiver Market Forecast

Remote Fiber Optic Testing – Market Forecast

According to ElectroniCast Consultants, OTDR devices (all types) used in Remote Fiber Testing and Monitoring is forecasted to reach $230.6 million in the year 2021. 

Aptos, CA (USA) – December 29, 2016 -- ElectroniCast Consultants, a leading market and technology research consultancy addressing the fiber optics communications industry, today announced the release of an extensive study report covering the worldwide market for Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) - based devices used for remote continuous (active monitoring - 24/7) or periodic/scheduled remote testing/monitoring of optical fiber lines.

Market Forecast Covers the following Device Types --

The worldwide use of OTDR devices (all types) used in Remote Fiber Testing and Monitoring is forecasted to reach $230.6 million in the year 2021.  The market review and forecast covers the use of rack/bench-top OTDRs; portable OTDRs; and lastly, embedded mini/micro OTDRs built into Small Form factor Pluggable (SFP) optical transceivers.

According to the ElectroniCast market study, the consumption value of SFP optical transceivers, which have an embedded (integrated) OTDR for detecting problem-points along an optical fiber link, is forecasted to dominate the market share of OTDR devices in remote fiber testing and monitoring applications.

“Critical-use/high data-rate optical fiber links are increasing to meet huge bandwidth demands; increasing the number of links at an explosive growth rate,” said Stephen Montgomery, director of the fiber optic component group at ElectroniCast.

“The demand to add more bandwidth capability in a smaller space (smaller footprint), along with improving service-level agreement (SLA) pressures, are just a few of the many strong selling points for the use of embedded OTDR/SFP transceivers,” Montgomery added.

For More Information --

This market forecast report is available immediately from ElectroniCast Consultants. For detailed information on this or other services provided by ElectroniCast, please contact Theresa Hosking, Marketing/Sales; thosking@electronicastconsultants.com  

(Telephone/USA: 831-708-2381)

ElectroniCast Consultants – www.electronicast.com specializes in forecasting trends in technology forecasting, markets and applications forecasting, strategic planning and consulting. ElectroniCast Consultants, as a technology-based independent forecasting firm, serves industrial companies, trade associations, government agencies, communication and data network companies and the financial community.  Reduction of the risk of major investment decisions is the main benefit provided.  ElectroniCast Consultants’ goal is to understand the challenges and opportunities facing clients and to provide timely, accurate information for strategic planning.

High-performance OTDR module for remote fiber test systems

November (2016) – Yokogawa Europe unveiled the AQ7277B, a high-performance optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) module for use with remote fiber-test systems (RFTS).

An RFTS is a test system designed to improve the efficiency of operation and maintenance management of optical fiber lines, which are installed at a fiber-optic cable termination station. The system works by constantly monitoring individual fibers in the cable using the OTDR technology for continuous measurements and is able to indicate a failure location on an electronic map. Having done so it then notifies maintenance staff.

The test system is intended to speed up the identification and location of failures (such as increased loss, fiber breaks and water ingress) and it also enables a maintenance center to test the installed equipment as a remote manual test during cable installation. The ability to perform automatic testing of multiple fibers at once saves installation labor time and costs and reduces the overall work period required.

According to the company, the time saved by using an RFTS to locate and isolate the first fiber break can pay for itself by yielding a full return on investment and achieving a higher level of customer satisfaction through improved quality of service.”

The hardware of the AQ7277B OTDR module is based on Yokogawa’s AQ7280 OTDR, using its optical performance in terms of short dead zone (0.6 m typical) and high dynamic range (up to 50 dB). Moreover, its size is reduced by 60% compared to its predecessor, which improves its integration into the RFTS. Its dimensions are now 230 mm (W) × 50 mm (H) × 140 mm (D), and weight is approximately 1 kg.

There are two models in the AQ7277B family, both equipped with an Ethernet (10BASE-T/100BASE-TX) interface as standard. The AQ7277B-B01 takes measurements at 1650 nm, a wavelength that does not affect the communication wavelengths of 1310/1490/1550 nm. It is equipped with a built-in cutoff filter to isolate it from wavelengths lower than 1650 nm, and so can perform accurate measurements on “live” lines (where active communication signals are traveling). This model is also optimized for testing passive optical networks (PON), and can measure through the high-port-count splitters used in modern PON systems.

The AQ7277B-B02 is designed for monitoring long-distance optical fibers – greater than 200 km in real-life environmental conditions - -being capable of a 50 dB dynamic range. It operates at a wavelength of 1550 nm.

Source: Yokogawa Europe

NeoPhotonics Announces Definitive Agreement to Sell Low Speed Transceiver Business to APAT Optoelectronics

Increases Focus on Photonic Integration Solutions for High Speed 100G and Beyond Networks

Company Updates Business Outlook for Fourth Quarter of 2016

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 19, 2016-- NeoPhotonics (NYSE: NPTN) (“NEOPHOTONICS” or the “Company”), a leading designer and manufacturer of advanced hybrid photonic integrated optoelectronic modules and subsystems for bandwidth-intensive, high-speed communications networks, today announced that it executed a definitive agreement, to sell its Access and Low Speed transceiver product lines (the “Low Speed Business”) to APAT Optoelectronics Components Co., Ltd. (“APAT OE”) of Shenzhen, China, a designer and manufacturer of optical sub-assemblies for telecom and datacom markets.

The assets to be sold include the intellectual property, inventory and fixed assets for NeoPhotonics’ PON products including GPON and GEPON transceiver products at up to 10G data rates, plus 10G and below telecom, bidirectional and specialty transceiver products.

The transaction is valued at approximately $26.4 million, inclusive of post-closing payments under a Transition Services Agreement. The transaction value consists of an equivalent of $25.0 million purchase price plus an additional equivalent of $1.4 million to be paid as certain transition services are delivered. The consideration consists of not less than the equivalent of $23.0 million to be paid in cash in China Renminbi at close and not more than $2.0 million in a US dollar denominated promissory note. In addition, the purchaser will assume outstanding supply chain purchase commitments and will be responsible for payment of value-added tax obligations. The purchase price is subject to adjustment after closing for inventory adjustments and by up to $10 million in the event of potential claims under transaction warranty commitments of NeoPhotonics. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in January 2017. The purchaser is further subject to a $1.0 million breakup fee to be held in escrow, which will be applied to the purchase price upon closing or forfeited if the transaction does not close due to certain reasons attributable to the purchaser.

The secured promissory note of up to $2.0 million is for an initial term of six months with an initial interest rate of 6.0% per annum. The note is renewable at six month intervals with an increase in the interest rate by an additional 4% per annum. The note will be secured by inventory and certain fixed assets being purchased in the transaction.

In 2015, and for the first 9 months of 2016, the Low Speed Business generated $92.8 million and $50.7 million in revenue, respectively, and gross profit of $16.7 million and $9.7 million, respectively. Net assets for the business were approximately $18.0 million as of September 30, 2016.

Commenting on the transaction, Tim Jenks, NeoPhotonics Chief Executive Officer, stated, “After a comprehensive evaluation of the alternatives available for the Low Speed Business, we believe this transaction will best benefit our shareholders, customers, and employees. This transaction underscores our objective to focus our efforts on growing high speed optical networking products and solutions based on our advanced hybrid photonic integration technology platform to meet customer demand.” Jenks continued, “We believe the Low Speed Business will benefit from APAT OE's expertise in Access and PON products while continuing to provide quality products, support and services to customers.”

“We are excited to have the NeoPhotonics low speed product team join APAT, and look forward to having more products to sell to our largest customers as well as the opportunity this transaction creates for us to gain many new customers,” commented Rex Gu, Founder and CEO of APAT OE.

Raymond James & Associates, Inc. served as the exclusive financial advisor to NeoPhotonics for the transaction. Proskauer, Rose served as legal counsel to NeoPhotonics.

Anritsu - Test Automation Tool: Both RF and Optical Testing Needs

Source: Anritsu Company

     

MORGAN HILL, Calif., Dec. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Anritsu Company releases a new version of its award-winning SkyBridge Tools™ Test Manager that supports OTDR measurements to establish the industry's first comprehensive field test automation tool that supports both RF and optical testing. By reducing test time by as much as 90% and increasing accuracy more than 10 times, SkyBridge Tools dramatically simplifies network installation verification, allowing contractors to close out projects more efficiently, receive prompt payment, and start new projects faster.

The new SkyBridge Tools brings full test automation to the Anritsu Access Master™ MT9083 OTDR and Network Master™ Pro MT1000 optical transport tester. By allowing users to quickly create detailed test plans, script one-off field tests, judge the results and create reports, SkyBridge Tools is a perfect cloud-based solution for RF contractors who must test DAS and cellular towers, as well as fiber contractors working in data centers, hybrid DAS, fronthaul/backhaul, and metro and core networks.

SkyBridge Tools now has numerous features for more efficient testing of fiber optic cables. A fiber test wizard automatically generates test plans that include fiber naming conventions, test setup, judgement criteria, and bi-directional test support. The new and complete OTDR criteria has a standard mode to simplify setting up test criteria and an advanced mode that offers full control of all the testing parameters, covering even the most demanding testing requirements. The Instrument Automation Mode test feature completely automates the field test setup and process. This supplies a single icon that eliminates all optical configuration, threshold settings, and file naming processes. Pass/Fail trace judgement is completed based on the test plan and criteria. VIP Pass/Fail judgement and easy reporting are also provided.

Expanded Test Capability       Anritsu also announces that the Site Master™ S331P ultraportable cable and antenna analyzer and PIM Master™ MW82119B portable analyzer are now fully supported by SkyBridge Tools, including creating test criteria, wizards, test plans, scripting, trace judgement, and reporting. The new features of SkyBridge Tools further position it as the most comprehensive test automation solution on the market. It brings simplified testing processes to the network installation workflow, resulting in less time testing, more accurate tests, and reliable payment for work done.

About Anritsu

Anritsu Company is the United States subsidiary of Anritsu Corporation, a global provider of innovative communications test and measurement solutions for 120 years. Anritsu's "2020 VISION" philosophy engages customers as true partners to help develop wireless, optical, microwave/RF, and digital solutions for R&D, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance applications, as well as multidimensional service assurance solutions for network monitoring and optimization. Anritsu also provides precision microwave/RF components, optical devices, and high-speed electrical devices for communication products and systems. The company develops advanced solutions for 5G, M2M, IoT, as well as other emerging and legacy wireline and wireless communication markets. With offices throughout the world, Anritsu has approximately 4,000 employees in over 90 countries.

 www.anritsu.com

100 Gbps for Data Centers

Source: Renesas Electronics Corporation

Enlarge

Renesas Semiconductor Laser Diodes: NX6375AA Series

TOKYO, Japan, October 25, 2016 -Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced the availability of the new series of semiconductor laser diodes, the “NX6375AA Series”. The newly developed direct modulation distributed feedback laser diodes (DFB LDs, Note 1) support 25 Gbps × four wavelengths operation as the light sources in 100 Gbps optical transceivers that are used for communication between servers and routers installed in data centers.

The NX6375AA Series enables system developers to develop high-speed optical transceivers and optical modules that are highly reliable even in high-temperature environments, and the new series can be implemented in the servers and routers used in data centers. The NX6375AA Series is available for mass production.

Recently, due to the popularity of cloud computing for the IoT era, the scale and processing capacity of data centers that are connected to the internet and handle large amounts of data are expected to increase at an annual rate of 59 percent (Note 2). In the optical transceivers used for communication between the servers and routers in the data centers in that environment, there is now demand for increased speeds in the transmission rates, and it is expected that the 100 Gbps systems, which will replace the current mainstream 40 Gbps systems, will see an annual growth rate of 75 percent (Note 2).

However, there is concern that the increasing system heat generation, which is proportional to the communication speed, could make the system operating state become unstable, therefore, achievement of both stable operations in high-temperature environments and higher communications speeds has become a major issue for optical transceivers.

Renesas launched its semiconductor LDs for this area starting in 2004, when the communications rate was 10 Gbps. The new NX6375AA LD Series support 100 Gbps systems, which are expected to become the mainstream in communications systems in the future and by resolving the issues in this area as described above, will contribute to higher speeds and increased reliability in user optical transceiver devices.

Key features of the new NX6375AA Series:

(1) Industry’s first to achieve stable operation at up to 28 Gbps per wavelength over an operating temperature range of Tc = -5°C to 85°C

The LDs not only support 100 Gbps with four wavelengths, but also are capable of supporting up to 112 Gbps systems. Furthermore, the LDs use Renesas' unique embedded structure and adopt aluminum gallium indium arsenic (AlGaInAs) as their materials. Therefore, the LDs can achieve a maximum 28 Gbps transmission rate over the wide operating temperature range of Tc = -5°C to 85°C by optimizing the DFB structure(Note 2).

The four wavelengths in the LD series are 1271, 1291, 1311, and 1331 nanometer (nm), which support the wavelength spacing of the CWDM (Note 3), Renesas’ unique technology.

(2) Assuring high reliability of an MTTF of 100,000 hours (Note 4)

To enable these LDs to be used safely in data center environments, Renesas used narrow width selection growth technology for the wafer crystal growth, controlled crystal defects in the active layer, and formed a protective aluminum oxide layer (Renesas’ unique technology). Since aluminum oxidation can be controlled during fabrication, these laser diodes achieve the industry leading mean time to failure (MTTF) level of 100,000 hours, assuring a high reliability (Note 4).

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Renesas Semiconductor Laser Diodes "NX6375AA Series" Figure

Renesas intends to actively expand its LD lineup for 100 Gbps high-speed communication applications. Renesas is also working on expanding the operating temperature range of its LDs in the low temperature direction, which is required for applications such as communications base stations. Furthermore, Renesas can provide solution proposals with even higher levels of added value by combining these LDs with Renesas high-speed optical reception devices and Renesas microcontrollers (MCUs).

Pricing and Availability

Samples of the NX6375AA Series are available now, priced at US$50 per wavelength. Mass production began today and is expected to reach a scale of 100,000 units per month in April 2017 for four wavelengths. (Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.)

Refer to the separate sheet (PDF: 98 KB) for specifications of the NX6375AA Series.

• (Note 1) Distributed feedback laser diode. A type of LD that has an internal diffraction lattice structure and features single mode resonance. The DFB LD is well suited for high-speed communications applications.
• (Note 2) Based on Renesas research (October 25, 2016)
• (Note 3) CWDM: Coarse wavelength division multiplexing. A technique in which optical signals with differing wavelengths (that is, multiple channels) are transmitted over a single optical fiber. With these devices, 4 wavelengths at 25 Gbps each gives a total capacity of 100 Gbps.
• (Note 4) Reliability of an MTTF of 100,000 hours is not guaranteed.

About Renesas Electronics Corporation

Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723) delivers trusted embedded design innovation with complete semiconductor solutions that enable billions of connected, intelligent devices to enhance the way people work and live—securely and safely. The number one global supplier of microcontrollers, and a leader in Analog & Power and SoC products, Renesas provides the expertise, quality, and comprehensive solutions for a broad range of Automotive, Industrial, Home Electronics (HE), Office Automation (OA) and Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications to help shape a limitless future. Learn more at renesas.com.

(Remarks) All registered trademarks or trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Advanced Optical Sensors

Augusta Signs an Agreement to develop Advanced Optical Sensors

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 30, 2016) - Augusta Industries Inc. (the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE:AAO) is pleased to announce that FOX-TEK Canada Inc. ("FOX-TEK"), the Corporation's wholly owned subsidiary, has entered into an agreement with FBGS to develop advanced optical sensors. These sensors will not be based on the existing standard strain FBG sensors, that FOX-TEK currently uses, but rather the development of sensors that can detect anomalous changes in operating conditions where they are installed. For example, the detection of a certain chemical within its 'sniffing' range.

The partnership with FBGS will enable FOX-TEK to remain a competitive leader in the field of optical sensors. While optical strain sensors still have a large use throughout the industry, the same industry is demanding access to sensors that are able to perform more specific detection and/or measurements. This allows for quicker response to any unwanted changes and, in turn, allows the industry to quickly respond to potential threats to the integrity of their operations.

Allen Lone, President and CEO of the Corporation, commented: "This partnership is critical for us to maintain our competitive edge and to permit us to grow into new unexploited markets."

FOX-TEK fully expects the existing market demand for advanced, cost efficient sensors to continue to grow over the years. FOX-TEK will continue to bring these new technologies to both new and existing clients - which is exactly what the industry has come to expect from us.

About the Corporation

Through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Marcon International Inc. ("Marcon") and FOX-TEK, the Corporation provides a variety of services and products to a number of clients.

Marcon is an industrial supply contractor servicing the energy sector and a number of US Government entities. Marcon's principal business is the sale and distribution of industrial parts and equipment (Electrical, mechanical and Instrumentation.) In addition to departments and agencies of the U.S. Government, Marcon's major clients include International (Oil & Gas, Refining and Petrochemica Plants.)

FOX-TEK develops non-intrusive asset health monitoring sensor systems for the oil and gas market to help operators track the thinning of pipelines and refinery vessels due to corrosion/erosion, strain due to bending/buckling and process pressure and temperature. The Corporation's FT fiber optic sensor and corrosion monitoring systems allow cost-effective, 24/7 remote monitoring capabilities to improve scheduled maintenance operations, avoid unnecessary shutdowns, and prevent accidents and leaks.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions, uncertainties and management's best estimates of future events. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements are detailed from time to time in the Corporation's periodic reports filed with the Ontario Securities Commission and other regulatory authorities. The Corporation has no intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ElectroniCast Consultants

ElectroniCast Consultants

Market Forecast Studies

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 they 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.

Source: http://www.electronicast.com/

PolyU and Huawei Set Up Laboratory in Optical Communications and Advanced Computing Systems in Hong Kong

(PRWEB) DECEMBER 01, 2016 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is proud to unveil the plaque for the “PolyU-Huawei Joint Laboratory for Optical Interconnection Network and Advanced Computing System” (Joint Lab). This is the first joint laboratory of high-capacity optical communications and advanced computing systems in Hong Kong, fostering PolyU’s continuous partnership with Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. (Huawei).

The plaque unveiling ceremony was officiated by Ir Professor Alex Wai, Vice President (Research Development), PolyU and Mr. Jun Zha, President, Central Research Institute of Huawei.

Through the Joint Lab, PolyU and Huawei will work on research relating to high-capacity optical communication systems including long-haul and short-reach data center transmission systems, computer networks and systems, and big data computing. It aims to pioneer the research in the field of optical communication systems and advanced computing systems by leveraging synergy of the industry and the university. It targets bolstering significantly the capacity of internet systems through technological breakthroughs, as well as developing system infrastructure and algorithmic solutions for computing-driven innovation.

“The PolyU-Huawei Joint Lab for Optical Interconnection Network and Advanced Computing System was established to combine PolyU’s strength in applying technological innovation and Huawei’s leadership in the industry with an objective to develop high-capacity optical communication systems. It will enable a breakthrough in high-impact data technology to increase internet traffic significantly,” said Professor Wai at the ceremony.

PolyU’s collaboration with Huawei has commenced since 2007. Their joint efforts have contributed to the establishment of the first 100Gbit/s per wavelength optical communication system in China. Research experts from different PolyU academic and research units, including Department of Electronic and Information Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, Department of Computing, Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Applied Mathematics and Department of Applied Physics, are engaged in the numerous collaborative projects between PolyU and Huawei.

The research areas include but are not limited to communication, big data, crowdsourcing platforms, mobile networks, wearable devices, algorithms as well as materials. It is hoped that with the establishment of the Joint Lab, the scope of collaboration could be further extended in both breadth and depth.

“The PolyU-Huawei Joint Lab will further integrate the advantages and strengths of the university and the enterprise in the area of innovative research and this collaboration will enhance our research ability. By building together a platform to share resources for innovation, the Joint Lab will enable our complementary development so as to achieve impactful R&D outputs and to jointly nurture talents of high caliber. This will result in increased global competitiveness and a win-win situation,” said Mr Zha.

Through close collaboration, PolyU and Huawei will be able to further develop high-impact translational research and next-generation technological advances in the telecommunications and advanced computing industry.

SCHOTT’s Fiber Optic Faceplates

SCHOTT technology is advancing digital X-rays for hospitals and clinics, scientific labs, and defense and transportation applications. With the company’s fiber optic faceplates, X-ray technicians are able to reduce radiation doses while still generating sharp and clear images with less noise. The international technology group will exhibit these materials at the Radiological Society of North America’s Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, held Nov. 27 to Dec. 2 at Chicago’s McCormick Place (booth #1902, South Hall A).

By protecting a digital X-ray’s complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors, SCHOTT’s RoHS-compliant large format fiber optic faceplates help produce higher-quality images with lower doses of radiation. The company produces these plates in conformity with ISO9001:2008 and ISO13485:2003 standards; all of SCHOTT’s Lighting and Imaging facilities are ISO certified.

SCHOTT’s faceplates allow for high resolution images through high X-ray absorption and contrast, and are manufactured as large as 320 mm x 320 mm. These fused fiber optic faceplates integrate fiber optic elements ranging from 6 microns in diameter to 25 microns or larger.

“Digital X-ray imaging demands faster speeds and higher dosage levels, but too much radiation can create noise and ultimately damage sensitive CMOS detectors,” said Jeff Lowe, Senior Project Manager, Medical at SCHOTT. “The integration of fiber optic faceplates into CMOS detectors has allowed for significantly improved image resolution, which ultimately helps to improve the patient experience.”

About SCHOTT

SCHOTT (schott.com) is a leading international technology group in the areas of specialty glass and glass-ceramics. The company has more than 130 years of outstanding development, materials and technology expertise and offers a broad portfolio of high-quality products and intelligent solutions.  They are an innovative enabler for many industries, including the home appliance, pharmaceutical, electronics, optics, automotive and aviation industries. The group maintains a global presence with production sites and sales offices in 35 countries. With its workforce of approximately 15,000 employees, sales of $2.24 billion were generated in fiscal year 2014/2015.

MACOM Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire AppliedMicro

Deal to Accelerate and Broaden Breakout in Cloud Data Centers; MACOM Intends to Divest Compute Business within 100 Days of Closing

LOWELL, Mass., November 21, 2016 - MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.  (NASDAQ: MTSI) (“MACOM”), a leading supplier of high-performance analog RF, microwave, millimeterwave and photonic semiconductor products, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Applied Micro Circuits Corporation (NASDAQ:AMCC) (“AppliedMicro”), a global leader in Connectivity and Computing solutions for next-generation cloud infrastructure and Data Centers, for approximately $8.36 per share, consisting of $3.25 in cash and 0.1089 MACOM shares per share of AppliedMicro. This price for each share of AppliedMicro represented a 15.4% premium over the company’s closing price of $7.25 on Friday, November 18th.  MACOM intends to divest the well-positioned but non-strategic Compute business within the first 100 days of closing.

Transaction Highlights Include:

• Transaction valued at approximately $770 million for AppliedMicro’s approximately $165 million in TTM revenue (including the Compute business) and $82 million of cash and short-term investments at September 30, 2016
• MACOM and AppliedMicro’s pro forma combined TTM revenue was approximately $709 million including AppliedMicro’s Compute business, or approximately $644 million excluding the Compute business
• AppliedMicro’s Connectivity business is highly complementary to MACOM’s product portfolio, through the addition of market-leading OTN framers, MACsec Ethernet networking components and the industry’s leading single-lambda PAM4 platform
• Transaction to accelerate MACOM’s significant growth in optical technologies for Cloud Service Providers and Enterprise Network customers serving the high-growth, high-margin Data Center market
• AppliedMicro’s leadership PAM4 solutions based on FinFET technology and custom engagements with top-tier Data Center and service provider customers is expected to strengthen MACOM’s competitive position with those customers
• MACOM expects to improve the profitability of AppliedMicro by divesting the Compute business and by delivering on substantial revenue and cost synergies
• Excluding the Compute business, MACOM expects this transaction to be accretive to its non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP EPS, in MACOM’s fiscal year ending September, 2017
• MACOM to benefit from over $600 million of tax net operating loss carry forwards

Commenting on the transaction, John Croteau, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "This transaction will accelerate and expand MACOM’s breakout opportunity in Enterprise and Cloud Data Centers. MACOM will now be able to provide all the requisite semiconductor content for optical networks - analog, photonic and PHY - from the switch to fiber for long haul, metro, access, backhaul and Data Center. AppliedMicro’s 100G to 400G single-lambda PAM4 platform should perfectly complement MACOM's leadership in analog and photonic components for Data Centers.

“Notably, the IEEE recently recommended the adoption of AppliedMicro’s single lambda PAM4 solution to be an industry standard for enterprise and Data Center connectivity, positioning this technology as the solution of choice going forward. Additionally, AppliedMicro’s Connectivity business aligns well with MACOM's differentiated, high-growth business model, offering non-GAAP gross margins well in excess of MACOM’s long term target operating model, long product life cycles, and sticky customer relationships.”

“AppliedMicro also provides value-added technologies including SerDes, high speed analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters with industry-leading engineering competencies and long product lifecycles. Importantly, we expect that this transaction will establish MACOM with an incumbent position supplying strategic components and enterprise and cloud Data Center customers.”

MACOM intends to divest AppliedMicro’s well-positioned Compute business within 100 days from closing the transaction, as the business does not strategically align with MACOM’s long-term focus.  AppliedMicro has been exploring strategic options for the Compute business and there is known strategic interest among several potential buyers and investors. MACOM will continue to support Compute customers and partners during this transition.

“This is an exciting day for AppliedMicro, and we are pleased to be joining forces with MACOM.  The transaction affirms the value that our employees have created and provides a strong path forward for our Connectivity business while delivering AppliedMicro stockholders a robust premium,” said Paramesh Gopi, President and CEO, AppliedMicro.  “This transaction will create an industry powerhouse with the scale, deep customer relationships, innovative technology, and enabling products that will help deliver explosive growth in Enterprise and Cloud Data Centers.  In addition, this agreement provides a promising path forward for the Compute business, which is in the process of bringing AppliedMicro’s highly-competitive third-generation X-Gene processor to market.  X-Gene is well-positioned to address the large opportunity for mainstream server processors with its proven high performance cores, scalable interconnect and high per socket memory capabilities.”

MACOM intends to commence a tender offer to purchase each outstanding common share of AppliedMicro for approximately $8.36 per share, consisting of $3.25 in cash and 0.1089 MACOM shares per share of AppliedMicro. MACOM will assume certain equity awards held by AppliedMicro employees. The transaction value is approximately $770 million in diluted equity value, or approximately $688 million net of AppliedMicro’s cash position of approximately $82 million as of September 30, 2016. The transaction is expected to be accretive to MACOM's non-GAAP gross margin, non-GAAP operating margin and non-GAAP EPS in fiscal year 2017, excluding the Compute business. AppliedMicro stockholders are expected to own approximately 15% of the combined company on a pro forma basis. MACOM expects to pay the cash portion of the acquisition price from cash on hand. The boards of directors of both companies have approved the transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. MACOM currently expects the transaction to close in the first calendar quarter of 2017.

Evercore is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Ropes & Gray LLP is serving as legal counsel to MACOM.

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC  is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP is serving as legal counsel to AppliedMicro. The board of directors of AppliedMicro received a fairness opinion from Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC  and Needham & Company, LLC.

About MACOM

MACOM enables a better-connected and safer world by delivering breakthrough semiconductor technologies for optical, wireless and satellite networks that satisfy society’s insatiable demand for information.

Today, MACOM powers the infrastructure that millions of lives and livelihoods depend on every minute to communicate, transact business, travel, stay informed, and be entertained. Our technology increases the speed and coverage of the mobile Internet and enables fiber optic networks to carry previously unimaginable volumes of traffic to businesses, homes, and datacenters.

Keeping us all safe, MACOM technology enables next-generation radars for air traffic control and weather forecasting, as well as mission success on the modern networked battlefield.

MACOM is the partner of choice to the world’s leading communications infrastructure, aerospace and defense companies, helping solve their most complex challenges in areas including network capacity, signal coverage, energy efficiency, and field reliability, through its best-in-class team and broad portfolio of analog RF, microwave, millimeterwave, and photonic semiconductor products.

MACOM is a pillar of the semiconductor industry, thriving for more than 60 years of daring to change the world for the better, through bold technological strokes that deliver true competitive advantage to customers and superior value to investors.

Headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts, MACOM is certified to the ISO9001 international quality standard and ISO14001 environmental management standard. MACOM has design centers and sales offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

MACOM, M/A-COM, M/A-COM Technology Solutions, M/A-COM Tech, Partners in RF & Microwave, and related logos are trademarks of MACOM. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. For more information about MACOM, please visit www.macom.com follow @MACOMtweets on Twitter, join MACOM on LinkedIn, or visit the MACOM YouTube Channel.

About AppliedMicro

AppliedMicro Circuits Corporation (Nasdaq:AMCC) is a global leader in computing and connectivity solutions for next-generation cloud infrastructure and data centers. AppliedMicro delivers silicon solutions that dramatically lower total cost of ownership. Corporate headquarters are located in Santa Clara, California. www.apm.com.

OPSENS REPORTS RESULTS FOR 2016

RECORD TOTAL REVENUES DRIVEN BY TENFOLD INCREASE IN FFR SALES

Quebec City, Quebec, November 16, 2016 – Opsens Inc. (“Opsens”) (TSXV:OPS) (OTCQX:OPSSF) today reported its results for the year ended August 31, 2016.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The OptoWire II, Opsens’ guidewire to measure Fractional Flow Reserve ("FFR") has been authorized for sale in the U.S., Europe, Japan and Canada;

• FFR product sales

• FFR revenues were $2.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared with $0.3 million in the corresponding quarter of 2015;

• FFR revenues were $5.2 million for fiscal 2016 compared with $0.5 million in fiscal 2015;

• The performance of the OptoWire was highlighted in Circulation Journal, a recognized medical publication;

• Opsens extended its range of applications with 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") for the OptoMonitor II, a monitor combining the ability to measure FFR along with measuring intravascular and intracatheter pressure.

EXECUTING GROWTH STRATEGY

Opsens’ commercial channels are demonstrating success from quarter to quarter, with Q4 revenues up more than 600% compared with the fourth quarter of the previous year. "We are confident that the distinctive features of the OptoWire, widely recognized by key opinion leaders in interventional cardiology, will allow us to capitalize on the rapidly growing FFR market," said Louis Laflamme, President and Chief Executive Officer of Opsens.

"Our move into a modern facility and the ongoing production process improvement will enhance our competitiveness and our ability to meet the growing demand for our products. We are taking the necessary measures to become a disruptive player in the industry. For 2017, we are targeting significant gains in global market share," concluded Mr. Laflamme.

OPTOWIRE’S PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTED IN A MEDICAL JOURNAL

The performance of Opsens’ OptoWire was highlighted in the Circulation Journal, the official journal of the Japanese Circulation Society. The article reports that the use of approximately 100 OptoWire units was performed without any drift of the measurement and also mentions the shortcomings in the performance of competitive products in terms of reliability of the measurement.

FINANCIAL RESULTS - YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 2016

Opsens’ revenues were higher for the year ended August 31, 2016 at $9.6 million compared with $8.7 million in 2015. This revenue increase reflects higher revenues in FFR of $4.7 million, partly offset by a decrease of $3.4 million from non-recurring revenues recorded in 2015 from distribution rights. 

Corporate overview

Since 2003, Opsens has stood for innovative strength, a passion for technology and uncompromising commitment to quality and excellence. Pioneer in the fiber optic sensing technology, we seek to provide solutions to industries which can benefit from the advantages that our technology provides. To tap their business opportunities in both new and established markets, they organised their Company into three sectors: Medical, Energy and Industry.

Open Compute Project (OCP) Foundation

Since its founding in 2011, the Open Compute Project (OCP) Foundation has experienced some incredible momentum in a relatively short time period. As Facebook was rethinking its infrastructure to accommodate its unprecedented growth and the technology needs to support it, they made the decision to share its designs with the public. The OCP  Foundation was incorporated by Facebook, Intel and Rackspace with Goldman Sachs and Andy Bechtolsheim (joining soon after). These OCP board members sought to create the same collaboration and innovation we see in open source software in the hardware space. And that’s exactly what’s happening.

Six years later, the OCP Foundation now is a global entity, with seven  board members and nine staff members to meet the needs of the growing community. While the initial focus was on greenfield projects, 2013 saw the addition of brownfield projects as well. We now have over 52 design contributions from 11 different companies and over 70 more in the pipeline which includes solutions for both greenfield and brownfield data centers.

The Open Compute Project Foundation continues to provide a platform for individuals and organizations to share their intellectual property (IP) with others and encourage the IT industry to innovate. We welcome innovation on all levels from all sources, holding high standards for only proven and consumable products and services. As the Foundation prepares for its annual Summit in March in Santa Clara, California, the focus will be adopting OCP hardware and how users can deploy their software solutions on OCP Accepted and Inspired hardware, regardless of the type of rack they specify.

About the OCP Summit:

The OCP Summit is a 2-day event that will feature a stellar lineup of speakers, announcements, demonstrations, booths and networking opportunities. More importantly, it’s your opportunity to work together with the OCP community to progress the future of important projects—Data Center, Compliance and Interoperability (C&I), Hardware Management, High Performance Computing (HPC), Networking, Open Rack, Server, Storage and Telco.

About OCP:

The Open Compute Project Foundation is a 501(c)(6) organization which was founded in 2011 by Facebook, Intel, Rackspace. Our mission is to apply the benefits of open source to hardware and rapidly increase the pace of innovation in, near and around the data center and beyond.

Source link: http://www.opencompute.org/

Suzhou TFC Optical Communication

Suzhou TFC Optical Communication plans communications tech JV, with partner

Oct 25 Suzhou TFC Optical Communication Co Ltd :

* Says it plans to set up a communications tech JV, with individual Wang Wei

* Says JV with registered capital of 5 million yuan and co will hold 60 percent stake in it

Source text in Chinese: http://www.cninfo.com.cn/finalpage/2016-10-25/1202780292.PDF

Source: http://dispute.press/news/1907902

ElectroniCast Consultants

Market Forecast Studies 

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 they 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.

Source: http://www.electronicast.com/

Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors

 Superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors with non-periodic dielectric multilayers

Researchers:

Taro Yamashita, Kentaro Waki, Shigehito Miki, Robert A. Kirkwood, Robert H. Hadfield & Hirotaka Terai

Scientific Reports 6, Article number: 35240 (2016)

doi:10.1038/srep35240

Published online:

24 October 2016

Abstract

We present superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SSPDs) on non-periodic dielectric multilayers, which enable us to design a variety of wavelength dependences of optical absorptance by optimizing the dielectric multilayer. By adopting a robust simulation to optimize the dielectric multilayer, we designed three types of SSPDs with target wavelengths of 500 nm, 800 nm, and telecom range respectively. We fabricated SSPDs based on the optimized designs for 500 and 800 nm, and evaluated the system detection efficiency at various wavelengths.

The results obtained confirm that the designed SSPDs with non-periodic dielectric multilayers worked well. This versatile device structure can be effective for multidisciplinary applications in fields such as the life sciences and remote sensing that require high efficiency over a precise spectral range and strong signal rejection at other wavelengths.

See the complete article – Source Link: http://www.nature.com/articles/srep35240

Fiber Optic Surgical Tool

Wright University team to present fiber-optic surgical tool to investors

Source: Life Science Daily

Researchers from Wright State University have been invited to present their business model for new medical technology that would eliminate the need for X-ray imaging in certain procedures.

The Wright State team recently presented their concept to top angel investors, entrepreneurial providers and university leaders at the 2016 Ohio Collegiate Venture Showcase.

“This is a big deal,” Caroline Cao, a professor of engineering at the College of Engineering and Computer Science, said. “Ultimately, I’m hoping for investors to invest but also for feedback and connections to resources that will help us develop and commercialize this device,” said Cao, who also is a professor of surgery at the Boonshoft School of Medicine.

The device is comprised of a small optical fiber that could be inserted into a patient undergoing endovascular procedures, enabling physicians to track surgical tools in real-time without the use of X-ray imaging.

“This would speed up the procedures and reduce the radiation exposure from X-rays for both the patients and the physicians,” Cao said. “We have proof of concept. We are now at the stage where we need to build a prototype. There is still going to be a period of development.”

Source Link: https://lifesciencedaily.com/stories/19012-wright-university-team-present-fiber-optic-surgical-tool-investors/

Globe Telecom, Inc. LTE and Fiber Optic Plans

Globe Telecom, Inc. is a major provider of telecommunications services in the Philippines, supported by over 6,200 employees and about 1.05 million retailers, distributors, suppliers, and business partners nationwide. The company operates one of the largest mobile, fixed line, and broadband networks in the country, providing communications services to individual customers, small and medium-sized businesses, and corporate and enterprise clients. Globe currently has about 48.4 million mobile subscribers, about 3.5 million broadband customers, and 859 thousand landline subscribers.  The company’s principal shareholders are Ayala Corporation and Singapore Telecom. It is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GLO.

The company recently signed $750 million worth of deals with Nokia and two technology companies based in China during the president of the Philippines state visit in China.  The company said the agreements would accelerate its use of new Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technologies across the country for over a period of 5 years, improving its broadband services.

The deals were with Huawei Technologies, Nokia and Wuhan Fiberhome International Technologies, it said. Globe has nurtured long ties with Huawei, signing in November (2015) a partnership for its 3G and 4G network. The deal with Huawei covers deployment of LTE spectrum in Luzon.

Globe said that the project would provide wider LTE coverage and better indoor penetration, through an estimated 4,600 sites in the country. This would increase data and fixed-wireless broadband capacity to provide telecommunications services in order to provide access to areas of the country that currently have no access to broadband.

Globe has also contracted Huawei and Wuhan FiberHome for a plan to build an optical fiber infrastructure to support the rollout of fixed broadband lines in the country. Fiber optics will be deployed to about 20,000 small communities by 2020, which would provide ultra-fast Internet access to around 2 million homes in the Philippines.

XKL Announces the Launch of its 100GE Coherent Product Suite, eVolocity

Kirkland, WA – October 19, 2016 – XKL LLC, a leading provider of fiber optic networking systems, announces the launch of its 100GE coherent product line, eVolocity. The eVolocity platform provides up to 96 channels of coherent 100GE and 9.6 terabits of line-side bandwidth per fiber pair. eVolocity maximizes line utilization and uses statistical multiplexing to flexibly allocate capacity on a per client basis. The platform provides a bandwidth-on-demand solution in a high port density, 1RU form factor.

eVolocity was developed by XKL’s team of accomplished engineers and spearheaded by the company’s CEO and founder, Len Bosack. Ideal for data center interconnect, metro and long haul transport, the eVolocity platform uses a first-of-its-kind, OSI Layer 1 statistical multiplexing algorithm that allows for the dynamic allocation of bandwidth on an as-needed basis. The virtualized interfaces enable seamless capacity growth as customer demands increase. The eVolocity platform maximizes line utilization, allowing customers to run at full line rates. The statistical multiplexing feature supports flexible bandwidth allocation, with physical ports soft-assigned priorities, providing QoS controls.

“Spectral efficiency is essential for optical networking solutions,” says Bosack. “In addition to this, eVolocity is engineered to prioritize and allocate customer data intelligently, thus minimizing idle capacity. This dynamic bandwidth allocation is unique for Layer 1 and provides another means for customers to handle the explosion in bandwidth growth. Customers are looking for additional methods to get more data through the fiber. Spectral efficiency improvements via more complex modulation formats alone will not get the job done.”

“As with all XKL products, eVolocity is designed with the future in mind,” adds Chad Lamb, Director of Engineering for XKL. “Typical channel utilization of 50% or less leads to a large amount of unused Layer 1 capacity, eVolocity enables customers to reclaim this lost bandwidth. On top of this capability, we are using standard, off-the-shelf, 100GE coherent transceivers and, as coherent technology improves, we’ll integrate these enhancements into the product line. XKL customers will be taking advantage of both improved spectral efficiency in the optical domain, and superior efficiency in channel utilization. This is the XKL differentiator.”

eVolocity key features:

• Provides 100GE coherent line-side optics with 240Gb of client-side connectivity in a compact 1 RU form factor
• Bandwidth-on-demand with packet shaping using statistical multiplexing
• Digital ROADM and FlexArc technology, provides add/drop functionality in addition to point to point, ring and mesh topologies
• Low power consumption and smaller footprint, reducing recurring costs
• Offers bandwidth management at Layer 1, providing QoS for data demanding applications
• Interoperable with lit service or dark fiber

  For more information on eVolocity and other XKL products, visit www.xkl.com.

About XKL

Privately owned and operated by Cisco Systems co-founder Len Bosack, XKL provides high capacity DWDM optical networking products for robust enterprise deployment, service providers, and seamless cloud migration. The company is headquartered in Kirkland, Washington. 

Windstream expands fiber transport network throughout western U.S.

Expansion adds new fiber routes, connects major markets across the country

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., Oct. 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Windstream (NASDAQ:WIN), a leading provider of advanced network communications, is expanding its long-haul express fiber transport network throughout the western United States using Infinera's DTN-X platform.  This network expansion is part of the company's existing strategic capital investment initiatives and adds new fiber routes, connecting major markets across the country.

In the first phase of this project, scheduled to be complete by the end of 2016, Windstream will add four major markets to its 100G long-haul network: Salt Lake City, Reno, Las Vegas, and the Silicon Valley/San Francisco Bay Area.

The second phase of the project - expected to be finalized by the end of 2017 - adds 100G routes extending from the Bay Area to Los Angeles; Los Angeles to Phoenix; and Phoenix to El Paso. In total, the new routes will add approximately 4,800 route miles to Windstream's fiber network, which currently spans more than 125,000 miles and is the sixth largest in the nation. The network expansion will offer wholesale and enterprise customers access to over 1,200 10G Points of Presence (PoPs) in 800 cities and more than four hundred 100G PoPs in many premier carrier hotels and data centers across the United States.

"Our western fiber expansion demonstrates Windstream's commitment to delivering a robust network and exceptional customer experience to meet the increasing demand we are seeing from our customers for secure, high-performance solutions," said Mike Shippey, president of Windstream's wholesale business unit. "Broadening our fiber reach into the West Coast area - home to some of the most vibrant technology and start-up companies in the United States - now positions Windstream as a nationwide provider of high bandwidth transport services, and a service provider that should be top of mind with any customers looking for national Wave and Carrier Ethernet services."

Windstream's dense fiber network offers enterprise and wholesale customers across the country access to the company's broad portfolio of solutions, including optical Waves, MEF 2.0 Certified Carrier Ethernet, MPLS and Dedicated Internet Access. Additionally, the expanded network presence in the western U.S. provides the connectivity required to support international traffic coming into the United States from the Pacific Rim, offering Asia-Pacific providers low-latency, 100G connectivity to Tier 1, 2 and 3 markets across the United States, allowing them to aggressively expand their own market territories.

"Infinera Intelligent Transport Networks enable Windstream to provide its customers an industry leading long-haul network based on the DTN-X Family with seamless integration of FlexILS™ line system and Xceed Software Suite," said Bob Jandro, Infinera senior vice president of sales. "The Infinera solutions are built on innovation and enable Windstream to provide higher network efficiencies with reduced operational costs, delivering its customers flexible, on-demand connectivity."

"Windstream's fiber routes deliver diverse and unique, cost-effective options for increased capacity and improved reliability of network infrastructures, which are crucial in the fast-paced world of today's tech companies, including content providers, data center and cloud operators, international carriers and more," said Shippey. "This evolution into a complete, end-to-end provider is significant for Windstream, and we're very excited about bringing our high quality, scalable fiber solutions to even more customers across the country, helping their businesses flourish and succeed."

About Windstream

Windstream Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:WIN), a FORTUNE 500 company, is a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions for consumers, small businesses, enterprise organizations and carrier partners across the U.S. Windstream offers bundled services, including broadband, security solutions, voice and digital TV to consumers. The company also provides data, cloud solutions, unified communications and managed services to business and enterprise clients. The company supplies core transport solutions on a local and long-haul fiber-optic network spanning more than 125,000 miles. Additional information is available at windstream.com. Visit their newsroom at news.windstream.com or follow them on Twitter at @Windstream.)