HP Introduces New Family Of Tunable Laser Sources

New Tunable Laser Sources Address Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing and Price-sensitive Markets

San Jose, California. February 28, 1996

Hewlett-Packard Company today announces three new tunable laser sources that provide design and manufacturing engineers with a wide range of performance options. A new, high-end model offers improved performance over previous HP models for characterizing components used in dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) systems, while a new low-cost instrument addresses price-sensitive applications. With improved reliability over their predecessors, the entire family of HP tunable laser sources provides low cost of ownership, which is backed by a new, extended warranty. The announcement was made here at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference.

"Our design and engineering customers now have greater choice with the addition of a new, low-cost tunable laser source, which is available at nearly half the purchase price of our highest-performing instrument," said Werner Huettemann, general manager for HP's Boeblingen Instrument Division. "Additionally, we have enhanced the reliability of all our tunable laser sources to lower operating costs over time."

Tunable laser sources are key elements in characterizing and testing fiber-optic components and systems. The latest generation of high-performance fiber-optic communication links is based on optical amplifiers and, in particular, erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs), which provide high amplification and speed. EDFAs also allow the realization of WDM systems, which use the transmission capability of the fiber far more effectively, allowing greater flexibility in upgrading communications systems.

HP's new family of tunable laser sources comprises the HP 8168D, HP 8168E and the HP 8168F. The HP 8168E and 8168F replace the HP 8168B and 8168C, respectively. The company's highest-performing tunable laser source, the HP 8168F, provides up to +8dBm output power in the 1450 - 1590 nanometers (nm) wavelength range, ensuring saturation of most EDFAs without the need for a booster amplifier.

The HP 8168D is HP's most affordable tunable laser source, providing -4dBm output power from 1490nm - 1565nm. It is available for less than half the price of HP's high-end model, the HP 8168F. The HP 8168E -- with up to 0dBm power in the 1475nm - 1575nm range -- provides an ideal price/performance compromise between the other product family members.

For precise characterization of optical components used in dense WDM systems, the HP 8168E and 8168F feature a tuning linearity and repeatability of +/-1 picometer, which is equal to +/- 0.001nm, when controlled by an appropriate wavelength meter.

HP's family of tunable laser sources comes standard with features designed to make component characterization easy, including selectable coherence control, wavelength scans with constant output power, internal and external modulation, and preinstalled software. Optional features include a built-in optical attenuator, polarization-maintaining fiber and a choice of output connector type.

In an effort to reduce the cost of ownership for the new tunable laser sources, HP has developed Automatic Cavity Re-Alignment (ARA) technology, which enhances reliability and avoids the downtime associated with manual adjustment of the laser cavity at the factory. The recalibration period also has been extended from one year to two years to further reduce downtime. As a result of increased reliability, the HP 8168E and 8168F warranty has been extended from one year to three years.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

All instruments are expected to be available beginning April 1. HP estimates customer delivery at about eight weeks after receipt of order.

     
     HP 8168D             $28,900
     
     HP 8168E              49,900
     
     HP 8168F              63,000
     

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 105,200 employees and had revenue of $31.5 billion in its 1995 fiscal year.

Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com.

Information in this release applies specifically to products available in the United States. Product availability and specifications may vary in non-U.S. markets.

Additional information on products from HP's Test & Measurement Organization can be obtained on the World Wide Web via http://www.tmo.hp.com.

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