ANAHEIM, Calif. -- OFC 2002 -- Hitachi Semiconductor (America) Inc.today announced the HR1161PDS, an exceptionally compact, low-voltage opticalreceiver module with 10-Gb/s capability. The optoelectronic device isdesigned for use in optical transceivers for high-speed short-to-mediumdistance communication links.The module combines two components: a photo-diode that converts thelightwave signals coming from an optical fiber into electrical signals, anda preamplifier that amplifies the electrical signals. Hitachi is exhibitingthe new device at the Optical Fiber Conference (OFC), which starts today atthe Anaheim Convention Center.To save space in transmission equipment, the 10-Gb/s receiver modulemeasures only 17.4 x 7.4 x 2.6 mm. Its volume is about 0.3 cc, the smallestin the industry.To save power in transmission equipment, the optical receiver operates atlow voltages. Hitachi optimized the structure and process of its photo-diodeto achieve fast response at a supply voltage of 5 Volts. This voltage is 50percent less than a conventional 10-Volt photo-diode used in other 10 Gb/sreceivers. The module’s preamplifier IC is built from a high-speed SiGeprocess and needs only a 3.3-Volt supply. By contrast, a conventional10-Gb/s preamplifier requires a 5-Volt supply, over 50 percent higher.According to Peter Bellavigna, product manager of logic products at HitachiSemiconductor (America) Inc., “The communications industry needs smaller,more power-efficient optical receivers and transmitters to expand thefiber-optic cable infrastructure. The HR1161PDS optical receiver module is areliable 10-Gb/s solution that aids that network expansion by combininglow-power operation with very small size.”Hitachi Semiconductor (America) Inc.For more information on OFC 2002, please visit: www.nottheofc.com