Teradyne Introduces HD-Optyx Connector; Industry's First Modular Optical Interconnect Architecture Compatible With Both MT Ferrule and 1.25 mm Ceramic Ferrule Technology

NASHUA, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 26, 2004--Teradyne, Inc. (NYSE: TER) Connection Systems Division (TCS), the industry leader in high-performance connection systems, today announced the introduction of their first entry into the optical interconnect market. Teradyne's HD-Optyx(TM) optical connector features an innovative modular architecture that facilitates more efficient layout solutions and flexibility to quickly scale to changing design requirements. Common components can be assembled into custom configurations quickly with no retooling required.

Teradyne's HD-Optyx connector is the only one of its kind today that works with both high-density MT ferrule technology and mature, higher performance 1.25 mm ceramic ferrule technology. Designers can choose 1.25 mm for system compatibility or MT for density, or use both in same system. The HD-Optyx connector features a unique plug design that holds and protects the ferrules from handling damaging and is common to both bulkhead solutions, and to blind-mate backplane solutions.

“As design activity in the optical networking and high performance computing industries continues to increase, OEMs are seeking reliable and scalable component solutions”

Leveraging the MT ferrule technology, Teradyne's HD-Optyx platform offers the highest density multi-fiber ferrule solution available today. Applications include intra-system interconnect via backplane or front access.

"As design activity in the optical networking and high performance computing industries continues to increase, OEMs are seeking reliable and scalable component solutions," says John Lehman, optical product development manager for Teradyne Connection Systems. "The highly modular HD-Optyx platform can be easily configured to accommodate a wide array of applications."

The HD-Optyx connector is engineered to ensure robustness and address concerns on handling and EMI. An innovative shutter design with doors on both the daughtercard and backplane side of the interconnect addresses laser safety concerns while minimizing possible fiber contamination. The HD-Optyx connector is functionally compatible with electrical connector families offered by Teradyne and other suppliers.

Availability: The HD-Optyx connector is available today.

Demonstrations: Teradyne will exhibit February 2-4 at the International Engineering Consortium's (IEC) DesignCon 2004 conference; Santa Clara Convention Center, Santa Clara California, DesignCon East, April 5-7 in Boxborough, Massachusetts, and NepCon Shangai, China, April 26-29, 2004.

About Teradyne Inc.

Teradyne (NYSE:TER) is the world's largest supplier of Automatic Test Equipment, and a leading supplier of interconnection systems. The company's products deliver competitive advantage to the world's leading semiconductor, electronics, automotive and network systems companies. In 2002, Teradyne had sales of $1.22 billion, and currently employs about 6300 people worldwide. For more information, visit www.teradyne.com. Teradyne is a trademark of Teradyne, Inc. in the US and other countries.

About Teradyne Connection Systems

Teradyne Connection Systems (TCS), a division of Teradyne, Inc., is the leader in high-performance connection systems, designing and manufacturing backplane systems, printed circuit boards and the industry's leading high-speed, high-density connectors. TCS helps OEMs solve system design challenges with integrated interconnect solutions for application in the networking, communications, storage, computer server, and medical equipment markets. For more information visit www.teradyne.com/tcs.