Planar waveguide circuits (PWCs) also referred to as planar lightwave circuits (PLCs), are used in numerous active and passive functional uses for packaged modules. The long-term trend is for a larger share of discrete-circuit (single-function) based PWCs/PLCs being displaced by equivalent performance hybrid (multiple-function) planar devices. The process for making planar devices is very similar to that of semiconductors. Since the waveguides are fabricated using a semiconductor fab-like method, the labor content is considerably less than that of alternative discrete components.

Planar technology allows a much tighter density of components given that all functions are performed on a single chip. The end result is a much smaller device and smaller footprint for the OEM manufacturer's equipment. This is a key metric for new systems as Central Office Space is in short supply.

Global forecast of PWCs/PLCs are presented by function:

- Consumption Value ($, Million)
- Number of Units (Quantity in 1,000)
- Average Selling Prices ($, each)

This report provides the market review and forecast (2009-2014) of PWC/PLC consumption, segmented by geographic region:

- America (North and South America)
- EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)
- APAC (Asia Pacific Rim)
- Plus a Global summary
 

This report provides a detailed market and technology analysis of PWCs/PLCs consumed in selected devices in selected optical communication applications. As shown below, several product categories are presented, including discrete (single function) devices, such as: arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs); switches; variable optical attenuators (VOAs);optical couplers/splitters; Lithium Niobate Modulators; Interconnect Waveguides; Other Discrete; as well as PWCs used in devices that are capable of two or more functions (Integrated Multifunction Devices).

Planar waveguide circuits (PWCs) or planar lightwave circuits (PLCs), largely driven by Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH), are emerging as a popular solution for integration and large-scale commodity manufacturing of selected optical communication components. Technologies are trending to polymer, silicon and SiON-on-Silicon processes for ultra compact PLC devices to integrate unpackaged optical components.

The planar waveguide substrate enables optical signal processing between components, providing one or more functions. The optical waveguides are typically fabricated in polymer or in glass films deposited on silicon - so-called silica-on-silicon technology. The majority of optical functions, such as couplers/splitters, variable optical attenuators (VOAs) and array waveguides (AWGs) are currently developed and implemented forming discrete (single function/monolithic) component integration. The combination of the packaging and integrated optics aspects of PWC technology provides for an attractive and powerful technology for devices/modules, which will hold multiple (two or more) functions (integrated multifunction devices); thereby, reducing size, weight, and cost versus larger, bulkier discrete devices/modules.
 

1. Executive Summary 1-1
 1.1 Planar Waveguide Circuits Market Forecast – Overview 1-1
 1.2 WDM Filter Trends – Overview 1-14
 1.3 Fiber Optic Networks – Overview 1-35
 1.4 Fiber Optics Industry: Decade-to-Decade 1-75
 1.5 Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Transceiver Trends 1-86
 
 2. PWC Market Forecast, by Device Function 2-1
 2.1 Overview 2-1
 2.2 Array Waveguides (AWGs) Used in Optical Communication Components 2-10 2-39PWCs Used in Photonic Switches 2-39
 2.3 PWCs Used in Photonic Switches 2-16
 2.4 PWCs Used in VOAs 2-20
 2.5 PWCs Used in Couplers/Splitters 2-23
 2.6 Lithium Niobate-Based Modulator (PWC Device) 2-37
 2.7 Interconnect Waveguides 2-42
 2.8 PWCs Used in Other Devices 2-44
 2.9 PWCs Used in Integrated Multifuction Devices 2-47
 
 3. Optical Communication Trends 3-1
 3.1 Overview 3-1
 3.2 Fiber Network Technology Trends 3-18
 3.3 Components 3-25
 3.3.1 Overview 3-25
 3.3.2 Transmitters and Receivers 3-25
 3.3.3 Optical Amplifiers 3-25
 3.3.4 Dispersion Compensators 3-26
 3.3.5 Fiber Cable 3-27
 3.4 Devices and Parts 3-28
 3.4.1 Overview 3-28
 3.4.2 Emitters and Detectors 3-28
 3.4.3 VCSEL & Transceiver Technology Review 3-29
 3.4.4 Optoelectronic Application-Specific Integrated Circuits 3-51
 3.4.5 Modulators 3-51
 3.4.6 Packages 3-51
 3.4.7 Optoelectronic Integrated Circuits 3-52
 
 4. Methodology 4-1
 4.1 Research and Analysis Methodology 4-1
 4.2 Assumptions of PWC Global Market Forecast 4-7
 
 5. Definitions 5-1
 Acronyms, Abbreviations, and General Terms 5-1
 
 6. Market Forecast Data Base - Overview and Tutorial 6-1
 
 Market Forecast Data Base – Excel Spreadsheets
 The Americas, EMEA and APAC
 
 Power Point Slides (Market Forecast Data Figures)
 
 
 List of Figures
 
 1.1.1 PWCs Used in Discrete & Integrated Multifunctional Devices, Global Forecast ($, M) 1-5
 1.1.2 PLC Technology: Integrated DQPSK receiver for 40G 1-10
 1.1.3 Athermal 100 GHz Wavelength Division Multiplexer 1-12
 1.2.1 Wavelength Allocations in Access-Area Networks 1-18
 1.2.2 Arrayed-Waveguide Grating Multi/Demultiplexer 1-19
 1.2.3 ITU CWDM Grid Standard Illustration 1-20
 1.2.4 OADM Filter Typical Response Characteristics 1-25
 1.2.5 Thin Film Interference Filter 1-26
 1.2.6 Light Power Output of Successive Wavelengths, Thin Film Filter 1-27
 1.2.7 Typical Thin Film DWDM Filter Modified Architecture 1-28
 1.2.8 Diffraction Grating DWDM Filter 1-31
 1.2.9 Next Generation’s UDWDM 2500 Channel Filter Module 1-34
 1.3.1 Access Network Elements 1-35
 1.3.2 Fiber-to-the-Office Forecast Structure 1-37
 1.3.3 Multi-National IP Network 1-39
 1.3.4 Broadband-to-the-Premise 1-43
 1.3.5 Fully Reconfigurable OADM 1-45
 1.3.6 FTTU-PON System 1-51
 1.3.7 FTTP PON Architecture 1-52
 1.4.1 Evolution of Research Emphasis during Technology Life Cycle 1-81
 1.4.2 Evolving to the All-Optical Network 1-82
 1.4.3 AON – Technology Demonstration Roadmap 1-84
 1.4.4 AON – Test-bed Network Platform 1-85
 
 2.2.1 Discrete AWGs in Optical Communication Consumption Value, By Region ($, M) 2-10
 2.2.2 NxN Passive Optical Multiplexer 2-12
 2.2.3 Waveguide Array Grating Filter 2-13
 2.2.4 Waveguide Array Grating 2-15
 2.3.1 PWCs in Discrete Photonic Switches Global Consumption Value, By Region ($, M) 2-16
 2.3.2 Planar Waveguide Switch and Optical Cross-Connect 2-19
 2.4.1 PWCs Used in VOAs Global Consumption Value, By Region ($, M) 2-20
 2.5.1 PWCs Used in Couplers/Splitters Global Consumption Value, By Region ($, M) 2-22
 2.5.2 AWG DWDM Filter 2-24
 2.5.3 FBT Coupler 2-31
 2.5.4 DWDM Branching Structure 2-31
 2.5.5 Coupler Architecture 2-32
 2.5.6 Planar Photo Receiver 2-33
 2.5.7 Film Optical Link Module 2-33
 2.5.8 WDM System 2-34
 2.5.9 Optical Fiber Amplifier Components Value Added Progression 2-35
 2.5.10 Fiber Optic Coupler Use in Optical Fiber Amplifiers 2-36
 2.6.1 PWCs Used in L-N Modulators Global Consumption Value, By Region ($, M) 2-37
 2.7.1 PWCs Used as Interconnect Waveguides Global Consumption Value, By Region ($, M) 2-42
 2.8.1 PWCs Used in OTHER Discrete Devices Global Consumption Value, By Region ($, M) 2-44
 2.9.1 PWCs Used in Integrated Multifunction Devices Global Value, By Region ($, M) 2-47
 2.9.2 Integration vs. Discrete Solutions 2-49
 
 3.1.1 Network Bandwidth Expansion Alternatives 3-1
 3.1.2 Multifiber Transmitters 3-6
 3.1.3 Flexible Optical Backplane 3-6
 3.3.3.1 Genealogy of VCSELs 3-14
 3.3.3.2 Optical Subassembly (OSA) 3-15
 3.3.3.3 10 Gbps VCSEL Optical Subassembly 3-16
 3.3.3.4 4 x 3.125 Gbps WWDM SFF Transceiver Concept 3-18
 3.3.3.5 Assembled Non-Functional 4 x 3.125 Gbps WWDM SFF Concept Module -19
 3.3.3.6 WWDM Transceiver, Transmit Side Optical Combiner 3-19
 3.3.3.7 WWDM Demultiplexing Subassembly 3-20
 3.3.3.8 CWDM VCSEL Transceiver (8-wavelength diagram) 3-21
 3.3.3.9 4-Channel VCSEL Transceiver 3-22
 3.3.3.10 OptoCube 40 3-25
 3.3.3.12 12 x 2.5 Gbps VCSEL Transceiver Package 3-26
 3.3.3.13 Pre-terminated Ribbon Cable Assembly 3-26
 3.3.3.14 Optical Backplane Implementation 3-27
 3.3.3.15 Typical Intra-Office Interconnections 3-28
 3.3.3.16 12 Fiber VSR Architecture 3-30
 3.3.3.17 Converter ASIC Function 3-30
 3.3.3.18 12-Fiber VSR Module vs. OC-192 SONET Line Card 3-31
 3.3.3.19 4 Fiber VSR Architecture 3-31
 3.3.7.1 Trend of Transceiver Packaging Density, Gigabits/Cubic Inch 3-41
 3.3.7.2 Xanoptix 32x32 Datacom Transceiver 3-42
 3.3.7.3 Integrated Transceiver/Silicon Waveguides 3-43
 4.1.1 Market Research & Forecasting Methodology 4-4
 
 
 
 List of Tables
 
 1.1.1 Hierarchy of Selected PWC-Based Devices (Products Covered in this Study) 1-2
 1.1.2 PWC Global Consumption Market Forecast, By Region (Value Basis, $ Million) 1-4
 1.1.3 PWC Global Consumption Market Forecast, By Device Type (Value Basis, $ Million) 1-6
 1.2.1 WDM Filter Technologies Comparison 1-8
 1.3.1 Minimum & Ideal Speeds Necessary for Popular Applications 1-43
 1.3.2 Selected PON Comparison 1-50
 1.3.3 Latin American Demographic Trends 1-74
 
 2.1.1 PWC Global Consumption Market Forecast, By Device Type (Value Basis, $ Million) 2-2
 2.1.2 PWC Global Consumption Market Forecast, By Device Type (Quantity Basis/Units) 2-2
 2.1.3 PWC Global Consumption Average Selling Price (ASP), $/Each Unit 2-3
 2.1.4 PWC in America Consumption Market Forecast, By Device Type (Value Basis, $ Million) 2-4
 2.1.5 PWC in the America Consumption Market Forecast, By Device Type (Quantity Basis/Units) 2-5
 2.1.6 PWC America Consumption Average Selling Price (ASP), $/Each Unit 2-5
 2.1.7 PWC in EMEA Consumption Market Forecast, By Device Type (Value Basis, $ Million) 2-6
 2.1.8 PWC in EMEA Consumption Market Forecast, By Device Type (Quantity Basis/Units) 2-7
 2.1.9 PWC EMEA Consumption Average Selling Price (ASP), $/Each Unit 2-7
 2.1.10 PWC in APAC Consumption Market Forecast, By Device Type