Laser Chipset Breaks Price Barriers

The XFP PRO, a complete laser-driver, transimpedance-amplifier (TIA), and signal-conditioner chipset, promises to meet the critical price points to proliferate 10 Gb/s optical components in next-generation router and switch applications. The chipset consists of the pin-compatible VSC7980, VSC7981, VSC7982, or VSC7984 laser drivers that support various link-distance standards and VCSEL, Fabry-Perot, DFB, and EML laser types. A dual signal conditioner, the VSC8233 integrates transmit-and-receive conditioner functions into a single chip. Rounding out the set is the VSC7978 low-power, high-gain TIA for receiver optical subassembly (ROSA) applications. Design support is by way of a complete module reference design. Price for a complete chipset is under $50 each in volume. VITESSE SEMICONDUCTOR CORP., Camarillo, CA. (800) 848-3773.