EMCORE Launches 120 Gbps CXP Active Optical Cable

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 6, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EMCORE Corporation (Nasdaq:EMKR), a leading provider of compound semiconductor-based components and subsystems for the fiber optics and solar power markets, announced today the availability of the 120 Gigabits per second (Gbps) CXP Active Optical Cable for customer sampling. Designed for High-Performance Computing (HPC), high-end Ethernet router and switch applications, the 120 Gbps CXP is the latest in the EMCORE's Connects Cables line of high-speed active optical cables.

The EMCORE 120 Gbps CXP is a high-density, low-weight, edge-mounted, bidirectional interconnect that can reach up to 100 meters with an exceptionally low bit error rate (BER). This results in significantly less performance degradation over longer distances compared to traditional copper cables. The CXP is more than 60% lighter with a bend radius that is 70% less than 26 AWG copper cables. This combination of lower weight, smaller bend radius and the flexibility of the CXP make it easier to install, maintain and repair cluster cabling without straining server connectors, or affecting neighboring cables. The EMCORE CXP is hot-pluggable and fully compliant with the CXP Multi-source Agreement (MSA) and RoHS 6/6.

EMCORE Connects Cables offer all the advantages of optical interconnects at an affordable price. They reduce the installation and maintenance costs of computer clusters, enabling very large clusters and are ideal for building systems based on any architecture that requires long distances and multiple computer nodes in very dense configurations.

"EMCORE is the industry leader in active optical cable sales. Our 40 Gbps Quad Data Rate (QDR) cables are currently deployed in two of the top five supercomputers in the world," commented Jaime Reloj, EMCORE's Vice President of Business Development. "By leveraging our next-generation Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VCSEL) and photodetectors, we will continue to advance the technology for high-performance computing applications and demonstrate the same quality, reliability, on-time delivery and competitive pricing our customers have come to expect."

For more information on EMCORE Connects Cables including the 120 Gbps CXP Active Optical Cable, please visit http://www.emcoreconnects.com.

EMCORE will be at the 2012 Optical Fiber Conference (OFC) at the Los Angeles Convention Center, March 6-8 in the Corporate Village, suites 2555 and 2557.

About EMCORE

EMCORE Corporation offers a broad portfolio of compound semiconductor- based products for the broadband, fiber optics, satellite and solar power markets. EMCORE's Fiber Optic segment offers optical components, subsystems and systems for high-speed data and telecommunications networks, cable television (CATV) and fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP), as well as specialty photonics technologies for defense and homeland security applications. EMCORE's Photovoltaic segment provides products for both satellite and terrestrial applications. For satellite applications, EMCORE offers high-efficiency Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) solar cells, Covered Interconnect Cells (CICs) and panels. For terrestrial applications, EMCORE is adapting its high-efficiency GaAs solar cells for use in solar concentrator systems. 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 the company's expectations, goals or intentions, including, but not limited to, product features and their benefits, product quality and network growth. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the company 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 the company's actual results to differ from those set forth in any forward-looking statement are discussed in more detail under "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the company's SEC filings. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made only as of the date hereof, and the company 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
         Mark Weinswig
         Chief Financial Officer
         (505) 332-5000
         investor@emcore.com

         TTC Group
         Victor Allgeier
         (646) 290-6400
         vic@ttcominc.com

Released March 6, 2012