About FORTE Designs

FORTE Designs is a specialty engineering company primarily focused on fiber optic modules and high-frequency printed circuit boards. Our background in datacom and telecom systems enables us to design systems that perform across a wide range of data rates, from 10 Gb/s down to DC. Commitment to dependable results is the focus of every project that we work on.

Expertise and Know-How

FORTE Designs is led by a fiber optic design engineer with over 15 years of experience in the design and testing of high-frequency, low-noise PCBs. His work in module design for the fiber optic datacom and telecom markets has given him deep insight into the proper methos to design boards and modules that will operate under demanding conditions. Dedication to meeting your needs is his prime focus.

Key Industry Experience

Our founder brings a strong background from leading technology organizations.

Telecommunications and Datacom Design

Six years of fiber optic design experience at AT&T™ Bell Laboratories for the creation undersea, proprietary data-rate communication systems and terrestrial, SONET OC-48 telephone networks. Four additional years of work creating some of the first fiber-optic datacom designs that met the original SFP, Xpak, Xenpak, FDDI, LAN ATM, Fibre Channel, and Gigabit Ethernet standards for Siemens™, Gigabit Optics™, and other companies.

Global communication technology and telecommunication

Close-up of a circuit board featuring surface mount ICs

Primary Design Contributions

Flexible board designs with multiple output options
Clock recovery and retiming modules
High-frequency signal regenerators
Receiver pre-amplifiers
Hybrid circuits on ceramic substrates
AGC amplifiers
Chip on board PCB designs

Further Engineering Experience

Beyond the ten years of IC and fiber-optic module development, our founder has an additional twenty plus years of experience in the design of high-performance printed circuit boards. His background includes the certification and selection of device suppliers, testing facilities, PCB fabricators, and assembly service companies for multiple organizations.

Advanced Tools and Testing

Additional experience in computer-aided design and engineering includes simulation of ICs using SPICE and microwave structures using Touchstone (a precursor to ADS). His laboratory and test set design experience includes:

Equipment selection for fully automated device characterization
Creation of BASIC, C, and C++ test software for instrumentation control and data logging
Multifunctional test fixtures adapted from existing modules or circuit boards

Our Engineering Values

We focus on accuracy, reliability, and clear communication. Each design is created to meet real performance goals while supporting long-term use in demanding environments.

Proven Engineering Experience

Partner with a company that understands high-speed systems and delivers quality designs. Leverage our engineering expertise to support your needs for performance, reliability, and product line growth. Contact us today.