Infineon Introduces Small-Form-Factor Single-Fiber Bi-Directional Optical Transceiver At OFC Conference - Compact New Device Reduces Fiber Cost, Doubles Capacity Of Optical Networks With No New Fibers

Mar 19, 2002 | Market News

Anaheim, Calif. – Mar. 19, 2002 – Infineon Technologies (FSE/NYSE: IFX), a leading provider of communications integrated circuits (ICs) and fiber optic components, is demonstrating its new BIDI®-TRX Small Form Factor (SFF) Single-Fiber Transceiver at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference here today (booth number 3812). The new transceiver module, for which several speed, laser type, power and connector options are available, allows two-way communication over a single optical network fiber. This eliminates the cost of the second fiber that is normally required for such communication, thereby doubling the capacity of the network without adding any new fibers, as well as simplifying fiber management. The module is ideally suited for use in point-to-point networks, as a media converter in access applications, and for intra-office communication between switches, cross-connects, routers and servers.

The BIDI-TRX is among the first devices to integrate receiver, transmitter, laser driver, power control and automatic shutdown, into a PECL/LVPECL interfaced module that complies with the 2 x 5 SFF size, connector type and electrical pin-out specification of the Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) group. This small form factor makes it possible to achieve high port densities on circuit boards, which is crucial for optical line termination applications. In keeping with Infineon’s corporate commitment to creating standards-compliant technology, the SFF MSA-compliant BIDI-TRX modules also conform to the Bellcore GR-468-CORE, IEEE 802.3z Gigabit Ethernet, and ITU G.957 Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) specifications.

“The trend in the fiber optic market is shifting more towards progressively-larger number of fibers in an increasingly smaller space creating a demand for higher density and lower cost SFF solutions," said Erwin Wolf, Vice President of Infineon’s Communications Business Group and General Manager of the Fiber Optics Business Unit. "Committed to providing our customers with 'solutions for unlimited communications' for faster time to market, increased flexibility and lower overall system cost, we have come out with the new generation SFF BIDI-TRX that builds on the field proven reliability of the BIDI components while utilizing our transceiver expertise. This validates once more Infineon’s exceptional integration expertise and unique fiber optic competence."

The SFF BIDI-TRX combines Infineon's proven and robust bi-directional (BIDI) optical and single-mode transceiver (TRX) technologies into a single compact device that uses optical multiplexing technology to transfer data in both directions on a single fiber. Full-duplex communication is enabled at data rates from 155 megabits per second (Mbps) to 2.5 gigabits per second (Gbps) over distances of up to 20 kilometers (km) and beyond.

Price and Availability


Engineering samples of the 155 Mbps BIDI-TRX are available now, with volume production planned for the second quarter of 2002, when engineering samples of the 1.25 Gbps version are also expected. High-volume pricing of the 155 Mbps BIDI-TRX will be below $100.

About Infineon


Infineon Technologies AG, Munich, Germany, offers semiconductor and system solutions for applications in the wired and wireless communications markets, for security systems and smartcards, for the automotive and industrial sectors, as well as memory products. With a global presence, Infineon operates in the US from San Jose, CA, in the Asia-Pacific region from Singapore and in Japan from Tokyo. In the fiscal year 2001 (ending September), the company achieved sales of Euro 5.67 billion with about 33,800 employees worldwide. Infineon is listed on the DAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: IFX). Further information is available at www.infineon.com.

Copyright © 2002 Infineon Technologies North America Corp. All rights reserved. Infineon and the stylized Infineon Technologies design are registered trademarks and service marks of Infineon Technologies AG. Other product and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Information Number

INFCOM200203.062e