TRADE NEWS: Agilent Technologies' Industry-First +95 C Fiber-Optic Tr

TRADE NEWS: Agilent Technologies' Industry-First +95 C Fiber-Optic Transmitter-Receiver Increases Performance of Automobile Multimedia Networks

    Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

    PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 4, 2005--

Optical Components Extend Temperature Range and Signal Quality for Reliable, In-Car Infotainment Communications
    Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today announced the world's first optical transmitter and receiver to offer an extended operating temperature range of -40 C to + 95 C -- 10 degrees higher than the nearest competitor -- for use in automobile multimedia networks. The devices also provide the highest optical link budget of 14.5 dB, surpassing the 13 dB limit of competing products, thereby increasing the distance and reliability of the communication link. The devices are compliant with the MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) specification, the automotive industry's multimedia, fiber-optic networking standard.
    MOST networking technology permits car manufacturers and suppliers to easily add a host of multimedia devices such as CD players, radios, TVs, DVD players, navigation systems, cell phones, and in-car PCs as modular functions within a car. Performance of the MOST network hinges on the ability of the optical transmitter and receiver (which transfer data to operate the infotainment systems) to function correctly at varying temperatures. By extending the temperature range, Agilent's devices offer better performance in hot weather and allow automobile manufacturers to place the devices almost anywhere in the car, except the engine compartment, without cooling concerns.
    "Our new MOST transmitter and receiver devices are breakthrough products that provide superior performance," said Tom Fawcett, director of marketing for the Fiber Optic Products Division in Agilent's Semiconductor Products Group. "Their industry-best specifications are supported by Agilent's unmatched product quality, expertise in low-cost, high-volume manufacturing and assurance of supply."
    MOST fiber-optic networking provides the infrastructure for exchanging audio, video, data and control information between entertainment and information devices within a car without the need for bulky copper wiring harnesses. MOST serves as the backbone technology of in-car infotainment systems. Automobiles incorporating MOST networking were first introduced in the 2001 model year, and today more than 10 million nodes are installed in 23 car models.

    Agilent's AFBR-1010 Fiber-Optic Transmitter and AFBR-2010 Receiver

    The AFBR-1010 fiber-optic transmitter and AFBR-2010 receiver operate at speeds of up to 50 MBd. They are both supplied in low-cost, four-pin molded packages ready for assembly into MOST-compliant, plastic fiber-optic connector receptacles. The transmitter uses a low-current, high-efficiency 650 nm LED source with integrated optics for efficient coupling into 1-mm polymer optical fiber; the receiver contains a large-area PIN diode to receive this light. Input and output data is TTL (transistor-transistor logic), compatible with MOST network interface controller ICs.
    In the absence of data activity, the receiver switches to a very low power-consumption mode. In this mode, the PIN diode senses new data activity and switches the receiver back to full operation. Both the transmitter and receiver feature high tolerance to voltage transients, since both the LED driver and receiver IC are fabricated using a robust and automotive-proven BiCMOS (bipolar complementary metal oxide semiconductor) process. Sophisticated temperature compensation circuitry ensures stable operation over the extended temperature range.

    U.S. Pricing and Availability

    Samples of the AFBR-1010 fiber-optic transmitter and AFBR-2010 receiver are available now through Agilent's direct sales channel. Pricing will be set in March 2005 when production quantities are available.
    More information about Agilent's fiber-optic products is available at www.agilent.com/view/fiberoptics.

    About Agilent Technologies

    Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $7.2 billion in fiscal year 2004. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

    NOTE TO EDITORS: Please direct reader inquiries to Agilent Semiconductor Products Group at 1-800-235-0312, or e-mail us at semiconductorsupport@agilent.com. Further technology, corporate citizenship and executive news is available on the Agilent news site at www.agilent.com/go/news.

--30--EL/sf*

CONTACT: Agilent Mark Alden, 408-435-6905 mark_alden@agilent.com or Weber Shandwick, for Agilent Elvia Soltero, 408-530-8400, ext. 2226 esoltero@webershandwick.com

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE AUTOMOTIVE COMPUTERS/ELECTRONICS TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKING PRODUCT SOURCE: Agilent

Copyright Business Wire 2005