Mitsubishi Launches CWDM Diodes

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- The Electronic Device Group of Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., introduced a series of eight new low-cost, uncooled distributed feedback (DFB) laser diodes that are capable of increasing data communication up to speeds of 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) in metropolitan area networks. The uncooled design allows these new coarse wavelength divisional multiplexing (CWDM) laser diodes to operate without the need for a temperature-control apparatus, resulting in devices that cost less, consume less power, and have a smaller mounting size than cooled devices.Traditionally, short-reach applications in the 1530- to 1565 nm range (C band) have used dense wavelength divisional multiplexing (DWDM) laser diodes. DWDM devices require cooling elements to deliver stable wavelength performance. Since the market demands of Ethernet applications have become increasingly cost sensitive, Mitsubishi Electric developed uncooled CWDM devices that offer a 20 nm interval wavelength spacing throughout the 1470- to 1610 nm range, making DWDM devices unnecessary for short-reach applications. With the new CWDM DFB laser diodes, customers can achieve 10 Gbps performance by multiplexing eight wavelengths, each with a 1.25 Gbps data transmission rate, spaced at 20 nm intervals throughout the 1470- to 1610 nm range. Mitsubishi Electric has adopted a standard, low-cost CAN package for each of the devices.“With this new series of diodes, Mitsubishi Electric is bringing long- and intermediate-reach performance to the short-reach market at a lower cost compared to DWDM devices,” said Daniel Chen, assistant vice president of optoelectronic and high-frequency products at Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. “We are seeing increased customer demand for greater performance from Ethernet and short-reach communications networks at a lower cost requirement. This suite of products meets this market demand on all fronts, with high performance, low cost, reduced power consumption, and small size.”Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA Inc.