Enhanced Feature Set of EMCORE Tunable XFP Transceivers Provides Flexibility to Next-Generation Optical Networks

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., March 2, 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 an enhanced feature set for the full-band Tunable 10 Gbps (Gigabits per second) Form-factor Pluggable (TXFP) Transceiver, including 40 nm full-band support, a transmitter variable optical attenuator and flexi-grid compliance. Based on EMCORE's patented ClearLight^TM fourth generation External Cavity Laser (ECL) platform, the TXFP transceiver delivers the highest-quality optical signal, wavelength accuracy and transmission performance, along with best-in-class Side-Mode Suppression Ratio (SMSR).

The EMCORE TXFP enables customers to dramatically reduce size, power consumption, and operating expenses by replacing both legacy 300-pin tunable transponders and fixed wavelength DWDM XFP transceivers. Now with an expanded feature set, customers have even greater flexibility to empower the next-generation of optical networks. EMCORE's TXFP supports a full-band of 40 nm (100 x 50 GHz channels), making it the most widely tunable transceiver on the market. In addition, it addresses the new International Telecommunications Union (ITU) flexi-grid standard allowing customers to tune onto any frequency grid and address any off-grid frequency. EMCORE also plans to include an optional transmitter variable optical attenuator which allows customers to remove external attenuators, once again increasing density while reducing overall system cost and complexity.

"The EMCORE TXFP represents the leading-edge in metro and long-haul DWDM network flexibility by delivering the highest level of performance and tuning capability in the smallest available form-factor," commented Jaime Reloj, EMCORE's Vice President of Business Development. "By leveraging our ECL technology and in-house semiconductor manufacturing, we are able to offer our customers performance and features that no one else in the industry can match. Our customers are using the unique features of the EMCORE TXFP such as flexi-grid tuning and highest available SMSR to enable more flexible and cost-effective optical network architectures."

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 2, 2012