27 January 2017

Source Photonics expands investment in next-gen FTTx product technologies and operations

Optical communication component and module maker Source Photonics Inc of West Hills, CA, USA has expanded investments in its 10G passive optical network (PON) optical line terminal (OLT) and optical networking unit (ONU) product lines to support the upcoming fixed access network upgrade cycle from EPON and GPON to 10GEPON and XG(S)PON. The firm reckons that its investment at all levels of manufacturing, including laser chips and advanced optical modules will enable it to remain the highest-volume vertically integrated provider in the market.

Several industry participants have publicly announced an exit from the FTTx transceiver market due to eroding margins and declining competitiveness, says Source Photonics. The firm, which initially entered the market supporting BPON in the early 2000s, will increase investments fivefold on last year to support the rapid growth of volumes expected during the 10G migration. It is concurrently investing in key technologies necessary to support future 25G and 100G migrations.

Leveraging its vertically integrated business model and lean manufacturing facilities, the firm's investments include capacity to support externally modulated laser (EML) laser diode and optical sub-assembly volumes projected by customers and policy regulators. "Over the last two years, we successfully ramped our 100G product line to world-class levels of performance," says CEO Doug Wright. "We are excited to expand this operating infrastructure as we support early deployments of next-generation FTTx networks."

10GEPON OLT modules manufactured on the expanded lines are in production and currently available for order. XGPON and XGSPON OLT modules expected to be released later this year will leverage the same manufacturing assets.

Tags: Source Photonics GPON

Visit: www.sourcephotonics.com