ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Aug. 12, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EMCORE Corporation (Nasdaq:EMKR), a leading provider of compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the fiber optics and space solar power markets, announced today the launch of the Multiplexed (MUXed) North Finder/Tracker Fiber Optic Gyro (FOG) designed for the next generation of Precision Azimuth Vertical Angle Modules (PAVAMs) used in man-portable and tripod target locator systems. The EMCORE MUXed North Finder/Tracker FOG will be demonstrated at AUVSI's Unmanned Systems Conference, August 13-15 in booth #1949 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

The MUXed North Finder/Tracker FOG is a three-axis design based on EMCORE's solid-state fiber optic gyro technology that utilizes advanced integrated optics and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) electronics to deliver a much higher level of precision than previous digital magnetic compass-based target locator systems. The MUXed North Finder/Tracker FOG is accurate from 1 to 4 milliradians and has very low power consumption requirements of less than 5 watts. It is compact and lightweight, weighing less than 1 lb. and is insensitive to base motion, making it ideal for use in Target Location Destination Systems (TLDS) that aid targeting and field navigation under adverse battlefield environments.

EMCORE's fiber optic gyro technology is designed for fast, accurate navigation and gyrocompassing, and low noise line-of-sight stabilization. EMCORE develops most of the key FOG components internally including the optical transceiver and the lithium-niobate modulator. This allows the technology to be incorporated very cost-effectively into a final TLDS.

"The ultimate goal of TLDS technology is to improve a Warfighter's effectiveness and survivability with the use of affordable lightweight sensors that reduce weight and increase accuracy," said Dr. K.K. Wong, Director of Fiber Optic Gyro Products for EMCORE. "We continually strive to achieve industry-leading performance in size, weight, power consumption and cost in the development of our fiber optic gyro components to meet the demanding requirements of today's target locator systems."

"EMCORE's research and development in advanced optics for defense and homeland security applications including UAV and missile guidance has paved the way for the adaptation of our FOG technology for north finding and TLDS applications," said Frank Weiss, EMCORE's Vice President of Advanced Systems. "The simplified optics combined with FOG electronics using DSP enables EMCORE to deliver a cost-effective, reliable, high-performance north finding system."

EMCORE's complete line of FOG products will be featured at AUVSI's Unmanned Systems conference, August 13-15 in booth #1949 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

About EMCORE

EMCORE Corporation offers a broad portfolio of compound semiconductor-based products for the fiber optics and space 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, Covered Interconnect 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