Lightconnect VOA Passes Test

NEWARK, Calif. -- Lightconnect, a leader in MEMS-based components and modules for next generation optical networks, announced today that the Fast Variable Optical Attenuator Series 5000 successfully completed 5000 hours of damp heat testing. This is one of the most strenuous tests according to Telcordia (GR-1221-CORE, section 6.2.5) and is an extended test to demonstrate the robustness and reliability of the device.

Early this year Lightconnect had announced that the Fast Variable Optical Attenuator Series 5000 had successfully passed the strict reliability requirements listed in Telcordia GR-1209 and GR-1221. The completion of the extended testing of up to 5000 hours provides customers with high confidence on the superior reliability of this device.

The ESD safe FVOA 5000 is a smaller, low-voltage version of the highly successful and very reliable FVOA 4000. Its optical performance and reliability is now the de-facto industry standard.

“The most critical factor affecting long term reliability of a Variable Optical Attenuator is the hermeticity” said Sushil Shah, President & CEO of Lightconnect. “All our different models of VOA, targeting a variety of applications are hermetically sealed to protect them from moisture and condensation. If the VOA is not hermetic, continued exposure to atmospheric moisture under normal operation will lead to instability and ultimate failure of the device”, continued Sushil Shah.

The FVOA5000 has been designed into several networking applications at large system companies and have been shipping in volume. It is an easy drop-in solution for any network application that already uses MEMS-based or liquid-crystal VOAs. It has a small 5.4 mm diameter and requires only 0 to 5 V control. It consumes very little power and is available in either bright or dark configurations when not powered. In addition to the Telcordia reliability requirements, it has no epoxy in the light path, it is not susceptible to in-situ shock and vibration, and includes ESD protection.

Lightconnect Inc.