MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, March 11, 2003. Lightbit has announced its pure-optical processor chip technology, which will vastly reduce the system cost for handling multiple channels over optical fiber networks. The optical chip can process multiple DWDM channels simultaneously, without requiring electronic conversion.
A single Lightbit optical processor can replace multiple Optical-Electrical-Optical (OEO) transponders, typically the most expensive equipment in today's fiber-optic networks. Applications supported by Lightbit subsystems include optical regeneration and multi-channel wavelength (band) conversion. Lightbit's platform technology enables customers to build cost-effective optical networks with increased reach and performance.
"Our chip harnesses the parallel processing power of light. We dramatically reduce per-channel cost of DWDM systems through multi-channel optical processing, just as the EDFA enabled dramatic cost reductions through multi-channel optical amplification," says Larry Marshall, Lightbit CEO. "In the midst of the current economic downturn, both carriers and system vendors alike are eager to achieve these cost savings."
Lightbit's proprietary process transforms a material commonly used in telecom into a powerful, pure optical processor. Chips are manufactured in Lightbit's optical FAB, leveraging IC-industry, wafer-scale processes to minimize cost. Lightbit has a strong intellectual property portfolio protecting its technology, processes and products. Lightbit's products are bit-rate and protocol independent, protecting customers from future upgrade costs. This contrasts sharply with bit-rate limited and protocol-specific OEO solutions. Additional characteristics include a wide operating bandwidth that can be tuned to C, L or S bands.
To develop products using this novel technology, Lightbit has assembled an experienced team with solid track records in both startups and public companies. Lightbit's management team and directors previously filled senior roles at companies such as Lucent Technologies, Fujitsu, JDS Uniphase, Avanex, Bell Labs, Pirelli Telecom Systems and Tektronix, and have successfully executed several IPOs and acquisitions at their previous companies.
Laser Focus World