The single-chip MAX3798 vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) driver and limiting-amplifier solution from Maxim Integrated Products targets SFP+ Fibre Channel and Ethernet applications, simplifying transceiver bills of materials for module manufacturers (see the figure). Fabricated using Maxim’s MBiC3 IC technology, it delvers greater than 10-Gbit/s performance and a wide range of receiver- and transmitter-programmable features, while consuming just 320 mW, according to the company.
The chip’s three-wire digital interface provides a wide range of programmable features to optimize performance. Programmable receive functions include data rate, line-of-sight (LOS) threshold, LOS squelch, LOS polarity, current-mode logic (CML) output level, signal path polarity, slew-rate control, de-emphasis, and mode-select change time. Programmable transmit functions include modulation current, bias current, polarity, de-emphasis, eye-crossing adjustment, and eye safety control.
Fully specified to operate from –40°C to 85°C, the MAX3798 comes in a 5- by 5-mm, 32-pin thin quad flat no-lead (TQFN) package. Prices start at $6.18 each in lots of 10,000 and up.
Maxim Integrated Products
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