Challenges in parallel optical module manufacturing

The unique position of the parallel optical module market places it between traditional telecom and traditional datacom applications. Telecom vendors have traditionally provided the highest bandwidth for relatively lower volume applications and been able to charge a premium in price. Datacom vendors, on the other hand, have concentrated on lower bandwidth products that are used in high-volume applications and made available at very low prices. Parallel optics is unique in that it enables high-bandwidth by aggregating multiple lower-bandwidth channels and producing them in high-volume at a low price. This paper addresses the challenges of ramping up a parallel optical module in manufacturing.