Dowslake Microsystems Introduces SmartAMPLET the smallest smart optical module for loss compensation.

SmartAMPLET, a low cost, voltage controlled variable gain loss compensator. At least 33% smaller than the mini or micro-amplifiers, it has a credit card size footprint and requires 6 times less electrical power. It also works similar as its counterpart in the electronic world -- OpAmps (operational amplifiers), using directly analog voltage to change and adjust settings instead of complex serial communication.

Dowslake Microsystems Introduces SmartAMPLET the smallest smart optical module for loss compensation.

SANTA CLARA, California, February 26th, 2002 -- Dowslake Microsystems today announced the POP1040, a SmartAMPLET, a low cost, voltage controlled variable gain loss compensator. At least 33% smaller than the mini or micro-amplifiers, it has a credit card size footprint and requires 6 times less electrical power. It also works similar as its counterpart in the electronic world -- OpAmps (operational amplifiers), using directly analog voltage to change and adjust settings instead of complex serial communication.

Built upon Dowslake Microsystems Programmable Optical Processor (POP) platform and powered by its Simple Subsystem Management Protocol (SSMP), a management protocol that dramatically simplifies system integration and provides programmable functions to optical networking, SmartAMPLET demonstrated again Dowslakes state-of art capability in designing application specific smart optical modules integrating the best of optics, electronics and software.

Applications
As optical networks become more dynamic, optical systems incorporate more and more add/drop nodes for voice and data delivering. At these add/drop node, often number of optical signal channels are limited and they have to incur large losses due to demultiplexing, switching or signal equalization.

The SmartAMPLET integrates Dowslakes POP technology with the latest Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) technology. Complimentary to the existing high power EDFAs, it provides 10 to 100 times gain to compensate losses due to the switching. With a credit card size foot print, a power consumption less than 1 W and at a cost less than 1800$ per unit, SmartAMPLET allows system designers to use anywhere they need a small boost in optical power.

The SmartAMPLET is based on mature and field proven components. It offers 4 times better pumping efficiency than Erbium doped waveguide amplifiers (EDWAs). With 2 times better signal to noise ratio degradation and without any risk of crosstalk compared to the semiconductor optical amplifiers, SmartAMPLET can be used for single channel or narrow band applications to boost 10 or 40 Gbit/s transmitter output power, equalize channels and enhance receiver sensitivities.

About Dowslake Microsystems

Dowslake Microsystems designs, develops and markets smart subsystems for intelligent optical networks. We create subsystem solutions based on POP (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 intelligent optical performance monitor, SmartDGE dynamic gain equalizer, SmartVOA variable optical attenuator array and SmartAMPLET low cost chip size loss compensator. More information on Dowslake Microsystems is available at www.dowslakemicro.com