Photo Detector Boosts DVD Write Speed By 8X

Designed for the high-end optical disk drive market, the SP8126 photo detector delivers an output voltage relative to the power of the laser light and exhibits switching speeds up to 300 V/µs with a settling time of 7 ns. These performance levels promise DVD write speeds up to 8X faster than existing levels while protecting the laser from excessive stress. Standard features include selectable CD and DVD modes of operation with separate gain settings, a bandwidth of 100 MHz, 2V differential output, differential output noise of 1 mV, light sensitivity of 3 kV/W, a PSRR of 50 dB, and a +6 dB variable gain amplifier. The SP8126 comes in an 8-pin, clear COB package measuring 3.5 x 3 mm and priced at $1.05 each/100K. An evaluation board is also available. More information is available from SIPEX CORP., Billerica, MA. (978) 671-1907.