Vitesse Introduces Photodiodes For Ethernet and FTTx Markets; Devices Reduce Cost of Next-generation Optical Modules

Vitesse Semiconductor Corp. (NASDAQ:VTSS) todayannounced a new line of photodiode products for the resurgent opticalcommunications market. The first two products in the family, theVSC7750 and VSC7780, are designed for use in the optical receiver sideof both the Small Form Factor (SFF) and its pluggable counterpart(SFP). These modules are being used in the growing Ethernet andmulti-rate Fibre Channel markets as well as for Fiber-to-the-Home(FTTH) applications. The VSC7750 and VSC7780 provide a cost model notachieved to date in the industry while enabling customers to reducedesign cycles by as much as 14 weeks when combined with Vitesse'sproven reference designs. These products support both long (1310-1550nm) and short (850 nm) optical wavelength applications, respectively.

The optical module market is under relentless pressure to reducecosts while maintaining a high level of performance. High quality,inexpensive optical components like these Vitesse photodiodes solveboth issues by combining manufacturing economies of scale withadvanced product design. Costs savings are passed along to customerswhich ultimately lower the cost of network data rate upgrades forapplications such as the migration of high-speed Ethernet into thecore of the network and for PON networks, designed to meet the growingdemand for in-home, high-bandwidth data services (i.e. broadbandinternet access, VOIP, IPTV, and HDTV).

"The proven techniques we have used in both design andmanufacturing have produced a new breed of photodiodes -- lowestcost-per-unit with exceptional performance," said Kevin Redner,product marketing manager for the Network Products Division atVitesse. "As an added benefit, a customer can significantly shortentheir design cycle when using our PON Pro and SFP Pro referencedesigns kits that incorporate the photodiodes. No other offering inthe industry compares to Vitesse's optical module solutions that nowextend all the way to the optical fiber."

Lowering Cost Through Manufacturing Process and Stellar Design

The VSC7750 and VSC7780 are manufactured using robust, repeatablefabrication techniques. These include the use of large 4-inch wafersas well as other proven high-volume manufacturing methods to realizeunrivaled economies of scale and high device yields. Theseadvancements produce up to four times as many devices per wafer ascompared to the two-inch wafer size commonly used for optical devicestoday. Higher device yields equal lower costs and direct savings tothe customer.

Both devices offer high levels of performance with features likelow dark current and capacitance, and high responsivity. They requireonly 2 V bias to achieve rated performance, as opposed to competingdevices that are specified at 5 V bias. Additional user-friendlyfeatures include a large 75 um (VSC7750) and 100 um (VSC7780) diameteroptical active area, large 100 um wirebond pads, and 100% on-wafer dieDC and AC parameter screening.

Availability and Pricing

The VSC7750, an InGaAs/InP PIN photodiode, fits all SONET,Ethernet, and Fibre Channel long wavelength (1310-1550 nm)applications with data rates up to 4 Gbps. It is priced at less than$1.00 USD in volume. The VSC7780, a GaAs PIN photodiode, fits allEthernet and Fibre Channel short wavelength (850 nm) applications withdata rates up to 4 Gbps. In volume quantities, the VSC7780 sells forless than $0.65 USD each. Both devices are available for sampling now,with production ramping in the fourth quarter of 2005.

These products will be featured in the Vitesse booth (B070, Hall1) during the China International Optoelectronic Exposition (CIOE) inShenzhen, China, September 6 - 9, 2005.

About Vitesse

Vitesse designs, develops, and markets a diverse portfolio ofhigh-performance, cost-competitive semiconductor solutions forcommunications and storage networks worldwide. Engineering excellenceand dedicated customer service distinguish Vitesse as an industryleader in Gigabit Ethernet LAN, Ethernet-over-SONET, AdvancedSwitching, Fibre Channel, Serial Attached SCSI, Optical Transport, andother applications. Vitesse innovation empowers customers to deliversuperior products for Enterprise, Access, Metro, and Coreapplications. Additional company and product information is availableat www.vitesse.com.