Dowslake Microsystems Introduces SmartDGE Lossless Dynamic Gain Equalizer

Dowslake Microsystems Introduces SmartDGE Lossless Dynamic Gain Equalizer Intelligent Module based on POPTM technology for effective network power management POP1020, a SmartDGEä, a low cost, simple to operate Dynamic Gain Equalizer (DGE) which allows optical systems vendors to automatically manage and control wavelength power and balance channel output.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- February 13th, 2002

Press contacts:
Pierre Leonard
(613) 829-3147 ext. 230
Pierre.leonard@dowslakemicro.com

Dowslake Microsystems Introduces SmartDGETM Lossless Dynamic Gain Equalizer
Intelligent Module based on POPTM technology
for effective network power management

SANTA CLARA, California, February 13th, 2002 -- Dowslake Microsystems today announced the POP1020, a SmartDGEä, a low cost, simple to operate Dynamic Gain Equalizer (DGE) which allows optical systems vendors to automatically manage and control wavelength power and balance channel output.

Built upon Dowslake Microsystems Programmable Optical Processor (POPTM) platform and powered by its Simple Subsystem Management Protocol (SSMPTM), a management protocol that dramatically simplifies system integration and provides programmable functions to optical networking, the new products are ready-to-go, plug-in modules with electrical and RS232 interfaces. They integrate the most advanced digital signal processing technology with the latest optical component technology to create intelligent optical subsystems that are low cost and easy to integrate. All control parameters can be easily modified through a simple GUI (Graphic User Interface), and subsystem integration is reduced to weeks instead of months.

POP 1020, SmartDGE

As optical networks become more dynamic, optical systems must control optical power to transmit signals farther and unimpaired. As wavelength counts grow, transport distances increase, new wavelengths are provisioned, optical layer protection and restoration become the norm and optical add/drop increases in use, power must be controlled to ensure signal integrity.

The SmartDGE integrates Dowslakes POP technology with the latest Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier technology. Using an array of independent low power, low cost amplets and through centralized digital signal processing, the Dowslake SmartDGE offers dynamic gain equalization without having to attenuate strong signals -- the approach used by all DGE manufacturers. Current available DGE products are based on attenuators and have at least 5 to 10 times losses to the strongest optical signals. Not only are the current available DGEs expensive to deploy they are also complex and hard to integrate into networking systems. Dowslake SmartDGE takes a completely different approach: Instead of attenuating strong signal, it amplifies weaker ones. The SmartDGE monitors each incoming signal and adjust its amplification accordingly in order to achieve an equal output level without the need for an expensive optical performance monitor. With a speed of 200 micro-second, the Dowslake SmartDGE is also transient resistant.

The SmartDGE is designed for metro WDM applications and is priced between $8,500 to $10,000 per module depending on volume and custom configuration. It is not only very cost competitive comparing to $15,000 to $20,000 typical price tag of other DGE, but also customers will pay for gain, instead of loss. It is now available in sample quantities, in either rack mount or board level configurations.

About Dowslake Microsystems

Dowslake Microsystems designs, develops and markets smart subsystems for intelligent optical networks. We create subsystem solutions based on POPTM (Programmable Optical Processors) that combine digital signal processing technology, with advanced optical components. With our embedded control firmware and open system interface, we provide customers with next-generation fiber-optic technology in a system-ready platform. Current product offering includes SmartOPM Optical Performance Monitor, SmartDGE Dynamic Gain Equalizer, and SmartVOA Variable Optical Attenuator array. More information on Dowslake Microsystems is available at www.dowslakemicro.com

SmartOPMTM, SmartDGETM , SmartVOATM, POPTM, SSMPTM and Smart Subsystems for Intelligent NetworksTM are trademarks of Dowslake Microsystems.