Bookham launches XFP-E tunable pluggable transceiver /XFP Module Group debuts completed spec for public review

SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 -- Bookham Inc. (search for Bookham) has announced the launch of a high-performance full-band tunable pluggable transceiver in the XFP-E format. The product, the TL8500, is targeted at long-haul links and metro/regional networks at rates up to 11.3 Gbits/sec.

The XFP-E format is an industry recognised MSA, and by adding full-band tunability Bookham says it can now offer customers a "universal" 10-Gbit/sec transceiver with the following qualities:


    density: maximum faceplate density for all links, including high performance long haul
    flexibility: for "pay as you grow" capability and in-service accessibility
    reliability: using field-proven technology
    security: MSA format for ease of procurement
    economy: highly competitive compared to alternative technologies and formats.


The module is underpinned by the fully Telcordia qualified Bookham indium phosphide Mach Zehnder (InP MZ) modulator and DSDBR laser -- the key building blocks of the Bookham range of high performance tunable modules.

"We have already established a clear commercial lead in tunable pluggable devices with the success of our TL8000, and delivering high-end 300-pin capability in the XFP-E format extends that leadership. We are showing that there is a real market for tunable pluggables in a variety of formats," said Bookham Director Product Management Adam Price.

"With our proven, high-performance optical components and decade of field history with indium phosphide Mach Zehnders, we are perfectly placed to expand the current tunable pluggable portfolio to include a variety of tunable formats, including X2, XENPAK, and XFP," he added.


16 January 2003 -- The 10 Gigabit Small Form-factor Pluggable (XFP) Module Group, a module multi-source agreement (MSA) association, has announced that the XFP specification is available for final public review.

The specification is intended to help speed development of multi-sourced, application-transparent, ultra-small-form-factor 10Gbit/s modules, which are designed to occupy one-fifth the space and use one-half the power of current modules. The specification is complete and available on the web at www.xfpmsa.org. It is scheduled for final adoption in February. Instructions are provided for transmitting public review comments to the XFP Group.

"Since its inception, the XFP MSA has grown to over 80 companies, illustrating the growing interest in accelerating the development of 10Gbit/s Fibre Channel, Ethernet, SONET, and related 10Gbit/s technology to market," says said Bob Snively, principal engineer at Brocade and chairman of the group. "XFP products compliant with this specification are being shipped by several companies."

Modules built to the XFP specification feature an electrical interface called XFI, which removes the complexity and power associated with placing electrical transceivers inside other available modules. This results in significant space, power and cost savings to module suppliers and system manufacturers.

The small size of XFP modules will enable the development of boards having up to 16 10Gbit/s ports to be deployed in a 19-inch rack space, and their cost structure will help accelerate the deployment of inexpensive 10Gbit/s client interfaces. Additional cost benefits can be achieved as higher levels of circuit integration become available at the 10Gbit/s data rate. Because the XFP specification is not protocol dependent, multiple market segments will benefit from the aggregate volume of XFP modules.