TriQuint Semiconductor Inc. ( TQNT - Analyst Report ) recently expanded its product range supporting optical networks with the introduction of five new transimpedance amplifiers (TIA), which complements its modulator driver portfolio. This new technology serves both the transmit and receive RF (radio frequency) needs of high performance optical networks.

The new TIAs are suited to support 40G, 100G and other emergent platforms. The TIA technology serves the fastest networks as well as higher modulation needs of future optical broadband systems. TriQuint’s new family of TIAs features five new silicon germanium (SiGe) amplifiers. The amplifiers have a broad range of on-chip benefits and are ideal for very-short-reach to metro- and long-haul optical networks.

Optical networks are most suitable for long-distance, high-speed data transfers across wired and mobile device networks. Global network capacity is also expanding based on the continuous growth in smartphone, tablet and other mobile devices. As per Infonetics Research – a telecom market research firm – the global optical market is expected to witness growth in 2013 after a slow 2012. The growth in spending and capacity expansion is expected primarily in North America, China, Europe and the Middle East. The EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa) is also expected to grow.

Headquartered in Hillsboro, Ore, TriQuint is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of semiconductor communication integrated circuits (ICs). TriQuint’s products specifically target the wireless handset segment, infrastructure networks, and defense markets. TriQuint is one of the leading players in the handset market, and new users and new applications are further creating a lucrative growth opportunity for it. TriQuint products help in reducing the costs and increasing the performance of connected mobile devices and the networks that deliver critical voice, data and video communications.

However, the company needs to be wary of intense competition from industry bigwigs like DSP Group Inc ( DSPG ) , Cypress Semiconductor Corporation ( CY - Analyst Report ) , and Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Inc ( ASX - Snapshot Report ) , each carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). However, TriQuint currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).