Zarlink was the first vendor to volume-produce active optical cables, with ZLynx ZL™60615 cables now deployed in a range of data centers and computer clusters. Building on this leadership, ZLynx-Q and ZLynx hybrid cables are currently at select lead customers. The cables support up to 100-meter reach to enable larger and scalable data centers, while their compact size further simplifies installation and maintenance.
"Zarlink extended the ZLynx product line in response to data center, server and switch demand for an easy-to-use, lighter optical cable solution with enhanced signal-integrity performance," said Ram Rao, product line manager for Zarlink Semiconductor's parallel interconnect products. "ZLynx CX4 cables offered superior cable management with lower bit error rate than traditional copper cables. New ZLynx-Q and ZLynx hybrid cables offer the popular QSFP termination at 4x5 Gb/s and they will extend to 4x10 Gb/s for InfiniBand QDR."
Zarlink's hybrid CX4-to-QSFP cables are used to bridge CX4-based host channel adaptor (HCA) cards and new InfiniBand switches employing QSFP terminations. The QSFP interface is being rapidly adopted for high-performance computing and InfiniBand because of the QSFP's faceplate density, its recessed housing eases cable management, and superior signal integrity and electromagnetic interference shielding. All of these are critical as speeds migrate to 10 Gb/s.
Demonstration at SC'08
At SC'08, Zarlink (booth #651) will demonstrate the interoperability of the ZLynx-Q and ZLynx hybrid cables between servers and InfiniBand and Ethernet switches from several vendors, including QLogic and Mellanox. ZLynx cables will also provide infrastructure links on the exhibition floor as part of the SCinet network.
Availability and roadmap
Zarlink's ZL60620 ZLynx-Q and ZL60625 ZLynx hybrid active optical cables are now at select lead customers, in popular 30 meter lengths. Volume production in all cable lengths occurs in early 2009. ZLynx ZL60615 cables with CX4 connectors are in full production and available in three meter to 100 meter lengths. See http://www.zarlink.com/zarlink/hs/82_ZL60615.htm.
Visit http://www.zarlink.com/zarlink/hs/optical_communications.htm for more Zarlink optical solutions.
About Zarlink Semiconductor
For over 30 years, Zarlink Semiconductor has delivered semiconductor solutions that drive the capabilities of voice, enterprise, broadband and wireless communications. The Company's success is built on its technology strengths including voice and data networks, optoelectronics and ultra low-power communications. For more information, visit www.zarlink.com.
Shareholders and other individuals wishing to receive, free of charge, copies of the reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and Regulatory Authorities, should visit the Company's web site at www.zarlink.com or contact Investor Relations.
Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, among others, the following: our dependence on the successful development and market introduction of new products; our ability to integrate any business, technologies, product lines or services that we have or will acquire; our dependence on revenue generation from our legacy products in order to fund development of our new products; current market conditions, including the lack of liquidity in the markets and anticipated economic slow down, may increase our operating costs or reduce our revenue; thereby negatively impacting our operating results; our ability to operate profitably and generate positive cash flows in the future; our dependence on our foundry suppliers and third-party subcontractors; order cancellations and deferrals by our customers; our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial position; the cost and accounting implications of compliance with new accounting standards; and other factors referenced in our Annual Report on Form 20-F. Investors are encouraged to consider the risks detailed in this filing.
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Contacts: Zarlink Semiconductor Inc. Ed Goffin Media Relations and Investor Relations 613-270-7112 Email Contact
