Data Communications

Telecommunications / data communications, also known as Telecom & Datacom, is the exchange of information over significant distances by electronic means and refers to all types of voice, data and video transmission. This is a broad term that includes a wide range of information transmitting technologies such as telephones (wired and wireless), microwave communications, fiber optics, satellites, radio and television broadcasting, the internet and telegraphs.

A complete, single telecommunications circuit consists of two stations, each equipped with a transmitter and a receiver (the transmitter and receiver at any station may be combined into a single device called a transceiver). The medium of signal transmission can be via electrical wire or cable, optical fiber, electromagnetic fields or light. The free space transmission and reception of data by means of electromagnetic fields is called wireless communications.

The simplest form of telecommunications takes place between two stations, but it is common for multiple transmitting and receiving stations to exchange data among themselves. Such an arrangement is called a telecommunications network. One of the trending technologies of modern Telecom/ Datacom industry is silicon photonics, where data is transferred among computer chips by optical means.

Optical Fiber is used to overcome the limitations of copper and support faster interconnects between data centers. Combining laser and silicon technology results in higher propagation speed compared to electrical current (ability to carry more data in less time compared with electrical conductors).Thus, the effective implementation of silicon photonics technology would dramatically increase the processing speed and power of computers.

Network Carrier Challenges

Network carriers continue to face the bandwidth and capacity demand in metro, regional and long-haul networks as the traffic driven by more and more video streaming, cloud computing, social media, mobile data delivery and IoT grows. Optical transport of per-channel bit rate beyond 100 Gb/s is now under active R&D to sustain the traffic growth, improve spectral efficiency and lower cost per bit in fiber transmission. In that respect, 400-Gb/s data rate per channel emerged as a natural and promising step.

Telecom Research and Development Solutions

During the R&D stage, engineers are tasked to evaluate and verify new technologies or new design concepts. One of the challenges is to complete this task in shortest amount of time to move quickly into production, while guaranteeing precise characterization and analysis of new devices.

Telecom Testing Instrumentation

To assist with this task we offer laser diode instrumentation, power and wavelength meters, and laser beam profilers that provide comprehensive characterization of a telecom device and are easy to setup and use.

Motion Control Systems

Featuring an easy to use, compact and inexpensive motion solution, consisting of ultra-precision 561/562 ULTRAlign™ manual stages and CONEX-TRA motorized actuators to allow overcoming a difficult task of aligning or attaching a fiber optic to a laser diode or an optical waveguide. Basic alignment algorithms can be implemented using the supplied software drivers. Another option is to get the APOGEE software.

Telecom Assembly and Production Solutions

In the Assembly/Production stage, the objective is to build many devices in the shortest possible amount of time. Achieving repeatable and reliable results is the main challenge in this stage. We provide modular systems to allow multiple controls and functions within a single instrument, large scale test systems, precise motion solutions and instruments to ensure reliable, stable and precise performance.

Motion Control Systems

Motion control systems used in production phase exhibit high reliability, fast motion and stability. Solutions can range from the ultraprecision XMS linear stages to VP-25 compact XYZ systems to hexapods. These stages are known for their outstanding bi-directional repeatability and minimum incremental motion, which are critical specifications for the  assembly phase. With an XPS Universal Motion Controller, basic to complex alignment algorithms can be implemented using the supplied SW drivers. Another option is to get ready to use APOGEE software to facilitate starting up a production line.

Telecom Testing Solutions

In the test stage, the goal is to get quality finished goods. The challenges are moving high volume finished devices thru test to ensure functionality and reliability. We offer proven laser diode protection to ensure devices are not damaged and destroyed during test, LIV capable test instruments to allow performance validation, high speed photodetectors and fiber-optic receivers, as well as power meter, detectors and beam profilers.

For additional information on our Telecom & Datacom please view our Instruments and Motion Solutions for the Telecom/Datacom Market brochure.

Telecom and Datacom Products