Avago's new family of fiber optic transceiver modules target emerging OBSAI (open base station architecture initiative) and CPRI (common public radio interface) standards for next generation wireless base station systems. "With W-CDMA, GSM, EDGE and WiMAX incorporating data rich content, base station system performance must improve," commented Dave D'Andrea, director of marketing for Avago Technologies' fiber optic products division. "OBSAI and CPRI standards address the need for cost effective, higher performance wireless base station systems and Avago's new product line will provide system designers with the best cabling interconnect solution."
Fiber optics offer several advantages over traditional copper cabling used in wireless base stations. Compared to copper solutions, optical fiber supports longer link distances with higher data rates and at a lower total cost of ownership. At higher data rates, larger copper cables cause more difficulties in installation, maintenance, and upgradeability for base station implementations -- issues that a lightweight optical fiber cable does not have. Further, designing with fiber enables more robust and cost effective solutions as fiber technology consumes less power, does not have RF emissions, provides EMI immunity which is critical for data security and integrity, and offers high voltage isolation which protects the network during a lightning storm.
