Cypress Makes First Optical Modules

Cypress Semiconductor (NYSE: CY) today announced working prototypes of an internally-developed Parallel Optical Transceiver module. The resulting technologies will be used to develop next-generation optical transceiver and transponder modules for high-bandwidth interconnects in next-generation switches and routers. The technologies and prototype were co-developed by Cypress and Silicon Light Machines (SLM), Cypress’s optical subsidiary.

The technologies developed to produce the module—including mechanical, optical, opto-mechanical and electronic—will enable high-speed optical interconnects that integrate a photo detector (PD), a vertical-cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), a transimpedance amplifier (TIA), and a laser device driver (LDD) into a highly integrated package, thereby reducing power consumption and valuable board space. Further integration will include additional functions, including SERDES devices, to further enhance value to the customer.

"The technologies required for optical data communication—aligning fibers, managing light beams, transporting light in and out of integrated circuit packages, etc.—are all part of SLM's core competencies,” said Thomas Werner, CEO of Silicon Light Machines. “This prototype and the technologies we’ve developed are the result of combining SLM’s optical experience with Cypress’s data communications expertise. It is the first of many optical products targeted at the high-speed networking market that will leverage the strengths of both organizations.”

“When data speeds go beyond OC-48 (2.5 Gbps), the preferred solution is optical, especially if the data needs to be transferred more than a few meters,” said Mathew Arcoleo, Cypress’s senior product marketing manager for Optical Modules. “Parallel optics are useful in a variety of applications, including optical backplanes and rack-to-rack connections. This technology will enhance Cypress’ complete linecard solution for optical networks, including PHYs, memory, logic, network coprocessors, network search engines, framers/mappers, and now optical modules. This is a natural extension to Cypress’ expanding portfolio of solutions and a major plus for our customers.”

Cypress Semiconductor Corp. (NYSE: CY)