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Firecomms RCLED-based Fast Ethernet FOT drives new connector system

CORK, Ireland, June 16, 2006

Firecomms Ltd., a leading compound semiconductor company that develops high-speed light sources in visible range wavelengths, today announced that its RCLED-based 650 nm Fast Ethernet FOT (fiber optic transceiver) is the light source used in the new Electronic Links International connector system for IEEE 802.3u Fast Ethernet communication links over plastic optical fiber (POF).

Optimal for high-speed home, office, and industrial networks, Firecomms’ fully integrated transceiver RCLED-based 650 nm FOT and highly-sensitive receiver FOT are based on the company’s proprietary technology for Resonant Cavity LEDs. Firecomms light sources, which operate at 100 Mbps (125 Mb) for 100 meters, and 200 Mbps for a distance of 50 meters, are ideal for 100 Mb Ethernet.

The new connector system that takes advantage of the Firecomms FOT has a throughhole mounting system, and can be customized for other mounting options. It has a maximum mating force of 3.0 kgf, with an unmating force of .5 to 3.0 kgf, and does not provide EMI interference.

“Not only does the Firecomms FOT significantly increase speeds, it reduces the cost per node for applications such as home office networks, PC-to-server, server-to-server, and industrial networks,” says Michael O’Gorman, product manager for Firecomms. “Its combination of speed and low cost make it a perfect drop-in solution for emerging set top box and other high bandwidth applications, like the Triple Play service of voice, video and Internet over a single broadband connection in home networks.”

Firecomms leads the development of devices to drive POF, a low-cost optical alternative to copper cabling. Due to its ease of use, large core tolerances, and low costs, POF is enjoying a huge growth in a wide range of applications. Created for consumer, industrial, and automotive applications in which plastic fiber can be used more easily and at lower cost than copper or glass fiber, POF is now used in millions of small area networks, such as those in use in many car models, and is rapidly gaining ground in home network and point-to-point interconnection. The POF market is estimated to be worth over $1 billion per year by the end of 2008.

About Firecomms, Ltd: Firecomms, a compound semiconductor company based in Ireland, develops visible light sources and sensors that light the way for next-generation consumer devices, automotive and home networks, and medical equipment. These devices provide the groundwork that will revolutionize optical data communications for small area networks, such as in-car networks and home networks.
www.firecomms.com

About Electronic Links International, Inc: Electronic Links International, Inc. develops standard and custom connectors and cable assemblies, both in copper and optical fiber. By actively participating in standards committees, and working closely with providers of new technology, this U.S.-based company is positioned to bring cutting-edge technology to market quickly and efficiently.
www.electroniclinks.com

About Atlantic Bridge Ventures: Atlantic Bridge Ventures is a new pan-European fund with offices in Dublin and London focused on making early- and mid-stage technology investments in semiconductors and software across Europe with a strong focus on a US exit model. Atlantic Bridge is comprised of a cohesive, dedicated team of experienced professionals who are committed to the success of the investee companies. The company's team members come from an industry background and have first-hand experience of the challenges involved in growing technology companies from the start-up stage into profitable businesses. Many of these companies had successful exits either on the public markets or through trade sale. Additional information about Atlantic Bridge, which is regulated by the FSA, is available at:
www.abven.com

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