VCSEL Driver Circuit Powers Fiber Data Links

The S7011 is claimed as the industry’s first and most highly integrated submicron CMOS Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) driver circuit for Gigabit Ethernet/Fibre Channel applications and 1.25-Gb/s fiber-optic data links. The device operates from a single 3.3V supply, dissipates less than 100 mW in gigabit applications, and accepts, with proper input termination, either differential LVDS or PECL input levels. The IC is also said to be the first to offer an output waveform that’s tailored to the characteristics of VCSELs, including automatic optical tail compensation, for optimal system function.A microcontroller interface on the chip supports independent or multiple device control. The interface provides device operation status as well as external MCU control of all functions. It also permits automation of the manufacturing process and allows for easy and reworkable device configuration.