Fiber optics managed to pass 15.5 Tb (15 500 GB or 1937 GB) of data per second

Engineers Alcatel Lucent announced earlier this week have managed to pass through an optical link, 15.5 Tb (15 500 GB or 1937 GB) of data per second over a distance of 7000 km, the equivalent of 400 DVDs for a transmission speed estimated at 100 petabit / s (100 million GB) per kilometer.

To do this, Bell Labs, the research entity of Alcatel Lucent, said to have used a model of WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing, or wavelength multiplexed) which allowed him to circulate simultaneously 155 laser length d 'wave different, each being able to carry 100 Gb / s data.

To ensure signal transmission over thousands of miles, it is necessary to use repeaters, which is responsible for receiving the signal and amplify it before forwarding it. Another cause for celebration for AL: the engineers in charge of this record would have managed to avoid each of these transponders of 90 km, a distance of 20% higher than current optical networks.

According to the firm, the velocities obtained here are almost ten times higher than that observed in the cables that operate between the continents. It hopes to demonstrate its expertise in infrastructure network and prove its ability to meet the growing needs of the global Internet bandwidth. Meanwhile, some leave no doubt going to imagine access to download as quickly.

Panasonic Develops High Energy Lithium-ion Battery Module

Panasonic has developed a 1.5 kWh battery module from 18650-type (18 mm in diameter x 65 mm in length) lithium-ion battery cells, which are widely used in laptop computers, to provide energy storage solutions for a wide range of environmentally friendly energy technologies.

For example, multiple units can be connected in series and/or parallel to store energy generated by home-use photovoltaic (PV) systems and fuel cells, and power electric vehicles (EV). A prototype of the new module will be shown at CEATEC JAPAN 2009 (Makuhari Messe, October 6-10, 2009) and New Energy Industry Fair Osaka (Intex Osaka, October 7-9, 2009).

Among a number of energy storage technologies, storage systems using lithium-ion batteries in particular are considered promising and practical, because such systems are lighter and have greater capacity than those using other types of rechargeable batteries.



As applications of the storage systems using lithium-ion batteries increase, there will arise demand for such systems with higher capacity, output, reliability and safety as well as improved cost performance. Flexibility in voltage and capacity will also be required according to the application.

Panasonic claims that its compact and high-energy battery module meets such demands. The module having a volume of approximately 7 L and weighing 8 kg has a voltage of 25.2 V and a capacity of 58 Ah. By connecting a plurality of this module, users can construct battery packs for a variety of applications such as home electricity storage and electric vehicles.

The high-energy module is constructed from 140 pieces of 18650-type lithium-ion battery cells - seven serially connected rows with each row made of 20 parallel connected battery cells. This structure allows for avoiding serious loss in the system performance such as system shutdown even if some individual cells fail.



To achieve the module, Panasonic employed a high-capacity and high-durability cell technology using its proprietary nickel-based positive electrode material. Other technologies used include its cell safety technology that uses a heat-resistant insulating layer between the positive and negative electrodes to prevent short circuits and thermal runaway (overheating) which can be caused when foreign particles get mixed into the battery cell. The new module also uses Panasonic's design technology to ensure reliability by minimizing the effects on power supply if a trouble occurs in some of the cells contained in the module.

PSP Firmware Update v6.10

Sony announced the availability of the PSP firmware update (v6.10), describing it as "a big update for us in preparation for the launch of PSPgo."

PSPgo owners should make sure to download the update to ensure full compatibility with MediaGo and with all PSP titles, according to Sony.

Here are some of the key features Sony is introducing:

SensMe

SensMe channels is a new music application for PSP that uses Sony?s proprietary 12 Tone Analysis technology to evaluate music tracks that have been imported from Media Go application on your PC to the PSP. The application automatically categorizes the tracks into 12 channels such as "Relax" or "Newly Added".

In addition, PlayStation Store for the PSP and PSPgo via Media Go (v1.2) will be updated with a new look on Thursday, October 1. To access PlayStation Store, users need to download Media Go (or update Media Go if they already have it). Media Go is a free PC software application that allows users to organize and transfer music, photos and videos between their PC and PSP. It also allows them to access PlayStation Store and to purchase, backup and restore PSP games. Of course, users can always access PlayStation Store directly on the PSP and PSPgo by connecting to a wireless hot spot and simply logging in with their PlayStation Network ID.

With this update, users will be able to export playlists onto the PSP. Go to us.playstation.com/psn/mediago to download Media Go and for more details.

Tethering (PSPgo only)

Another new feature is the ability to use a Bluetooth mobile device, such as a mobile phone, as a modem to connect a PSP system to the internet. This means that when a user is not located close to a wifi spot he has another way to get on the internet via a bluetooth mobile device.

New Operating Structure for Toshiba's HDD Business

Toshiba today announced that it has completed the transfer to its control of Fujitsu Limited's hard disk drive (HDD) business and that it will introduce a new operating structure for the HDD business.

On April 30, 2009, Toshiba and Fujitsu announced the conclusion of a definitive agreement on the transfer of Fujitsu's hard disk drive (HDD) business to Toshiba. The companies have now carried out all necessary procedures and today completed the transfer. Toshiba will promote maximization of synergy with Fujitsu's enterprise HDD business and technology, and expand its HDD business.

As previously announced, Fujitsu's HDD-related business and functions will be transferred to a new company, Toshiba Storage Device Corporation (TSDC). Toshiba has acquired a stake of approximately 80 percent in TSDC and made it a Toshiba Group subsidiary. Fujitsu will hold interest of slightly less than 20 percent in the company for a certain period of time in order to facilitate the business transfer, after which Fujitsu will transfer its stake to Toshiba and TSDC will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba.

Under the new business structure, Toshiba will reinforce its already strong market position as a leading vendor of small form factor HDDs, expand its enterprise HDD business and technology, and develop SSD products for servers and enterprise storage systems by integrating its NAND flash memory technology with Fujitsu's enterprise HDD technology.

Moreover, Toshiba expand its product line-up.