NEWARK, Calif. -- LIGHTCONNECT, a leading supplier of dynamic MEMS components for optical networks, today announced a new Variable Optical Attenuator with very low wavelength dependence loss, for variable gain control applications in optical amplifiers and power equalization in DWDM networks. The new FVOA5100 has uncompromising reliability and builds on LIGHTCONNECT’s Telcordia qualified Fast VOA 2000, Fast VOA 4000 and Fast VOA 5000 which are currently shipping in volumes.

The FVOA5100 is a low WDL version of the highly successful and very reliable FVOA5000. The electrical drive requires only 0 to 5V (6.5V and 18V optional) which makes the device control simple and consumes a very low power of less than 500 Micro Watts. The optical specifications easily meet or exceed industry standard requirements, including 0.4 dB insertion loss and 0.25 dB WDL (typical). Unlike other MEMS technologies this VOA is very stable over long periods of time.

The FVOA5100 has successfully completed the strict reliability requirements listed in Telcordia GR-1209 and GR-1221. “The introduction of the FVOA5100 offers a high performance option for our customers who are designing amplifiers and optical sub systems requiring very low WDL components”, said Sushil Shah, President & CEO of Lightconnect. “Like all our VOA, the FVOA5100 is designed with no epoxy in the light path, is not susceptible to in-situ shock and vibration, and includes 2000 Volts ESD protection”, continued Sushil Shah.

It has the smallest foot print (5.4 mm x 18mm) making it ideal for compact applications and is available in either bright or dark configuration.

Lightconnect Inc.