NORWOOD, Mass. -- Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI) today announced it has signed an agreement with Nortel Networks to mutually develop integrated optical MEMS switching elements for Nortel Networks' high port-count photonic cross connect switches. This second-generation optical switching element consists of an array of moveable micromachined mirrors that are integrated with electronic components. These "smart" mirrors are used to direct beams of light in fiber optic networks from any of many incoming fiber optic cables to any of many outgoing fiber optic cables. The light beams carry dense wavelength division multiplexed (DWDM) data over the backbone of the Internet. These all-optical switching elements eliminate the need to convert optical signals to electrical signals for switching and then back to optical form.

"This agreement with Nortel Networks is an important step for ADI in expanding its MEMS expertise into optical telecommunications," said Jerald G. Fishman, President and CEO of Analog Devices. "We appreciate the confidence that Nortel Networks has shown in Analog Devices by working with us to develop these very critical optical switching elements."

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