ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EMCORE Corporation (Nasdaq:EMKR), a leading provider of compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the fiber optics and solar power markets, today announced the launch of the industry's first high-performance openGear^® Wideband Optical Links for IF, L and wideband RF signal distribution and interfacility links. These new EMCORE OPG-1L series transmitters and receivers will provide transparent signal transport between broadcast or cable network antenna facilities and control room terminal equipment.

openGear is designed to offer a flexible and advanced terminal equipment solution that provides customers with the opportunity to select equipment without the requirement, or investment in multiple frame standards. The EMCORE OPG-1L series is designed to be fully compatible with the openGear standard for broadcast terminal equipment and cable headend applications.

The OPG-1L openGear Wideband Optical Links operate in a frequency range from 50 MHz to 3000 MHz and are optimized for IF- and L-Band and wideband video signals up to 60 km. They are designed with highly-linear, optically-isolated Distributed Feedback (DFB) lasers that enable high-dynamic range links. The transmitter and receiver both have an adjustable gain range of 25 dB. Connectivity is provided through Blind Mate 50 and 75 Ohm RF and LC-APC optical connectors in the openGear mid-plane. The user RF and fiber interfaces are connected to the rear of the openGear chassis allowing them to be installed and terminated, eliminating the need to revise the rack cabling for expansion. The OPG-1L is LNB power capable, CE and CSA certified, and ROHS compliant.

"The combination of EMCORE's family of openGear and Optiva Platform enclosures integrated with RF, video, audio and data modules, enables a versatile, interoperable platform for signal distribution and control room to antenna integration," said Henok Tafese, Senior Director of Business Development for EMCORE. "These new openGear optical transmitters and receivers incorporate the highly-linear performance of EMCORE's DFB laser technology in a compact package compatible with openGear standards, so customers will be able to deploy proven technologies in a standardized open platform approach."

Additional unique features of the OPG-1L series include simple push-button peaking for optimum performance and EMCORE's patented SmartGain Control system, which ensures consistent RF performance over varied signal conditions and long fiber distances. The OPG-1L modules can also be easily integrated with EMCORE's family of openGear compatible OPG-2HDP High-Definition SDI video cards, as well as other openGear application cards to support multiple format and frequency transport in a single flexible platform.

For more information on the OPG-1L openGear Wideband Optical Links, please visit http://www.emcore.com/opg-1l-opengear-wideband-optical-links

EMCORE will preview the new OPG-1L series at the following industry events:

• Satellite 2013, March 19-21 in booth #6089 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
• CCBN 2013, March 21-23 in BUBT-GUOAN booth #1A 401 at the China International Exhibition Center, Beijing, China

openGear is a registered trademark of Ross Video Ltd.

About EMCORE

EMCORE Corporation offers a broad portfolio of compound semiconductor-based products for the fiber optics and solar power markets. EMCORE's Fiber Optics business segment provides optical components, subsystems and systems for high-speed telecommunications, Cable Television (CATV) and Fiber-To-The-Premise (FTTP) networks, as well as products for satellite communications, video transport and specialty photonics technologies for defense and homeland security applications. EMCORE's Solar Photovoltaics business segment provides products for space power applications including high-efficiency multi-junction solar cells, Coverglass Interconnected Cells (CICs) and complete satellite solar panels. For further information about EMCORE, visit http://www.emcore.com.

Forward-looking statements:

The information provided herein may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include statements regarding EMCORE's expectations, goals or intentions, including, but not limited to, financial performance, production schedules, expected customer sales, product features and their benefits, product quality and product performance. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about EMCORE and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those stated in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause EMCORE's actual results to differ from those set forth in any forward-looking statement are discussed in more detail in EMCORE's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, and EMCORE undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT: EMCORE Corporation

         Frank Weiss

         Vice President, Advanced Systems

         (215) 259-2400

         frank_weiss@emcore.com

         

         Investor

         TTC Group

         Victor Allgeier

         (646) 290-6400

         vic@ttcominc.com