JANUARY 24, 2008 -- GigOptix (search for GigOptix) recently unveiled three new products: a low Vpi electro-optical (EO) driver for 10-Gbit/sec long haul applications and two electro-absorptive (EA) optical modulator drivers.
The GX6151
The GX6151 is a low Vpi 10G driver for InP modulators. The company says its unique electro-optical (EO) modulator driver is poised to enable a new generation of 10G Long Haul applications by providing a lower cost alternative to traditional EO drivers with an equivalent performance to customers. With its highly compact die and package form factors, the new IC not only enables MSA customers to use a quarter of the board space of comparable devices based on competitor parts but also enables TOSA customers to easily integrate the die directly into their transmit optical sub-assemblies, claim company representatives.
Adding to the dramatic space and cost savings, they say, the GX6151 uses a single +5.5-VDC bias supply to support applications using the industry standard differential in and differential out topology. The IC can be configured to work in both singled ended and differential modes. The IC outputs a precise 11.3-Gbit/sec 3.5-Vpp differential output voltage over a wide temperature range from a 150-mVpp differential signal while consuming 1.2 W worst-case.
According to GigOptix, the GX6151 is ideal for use in systems utilizing low Vpi InP modulators and is compatible with popular optical transceiver MSA requirements. The IC also includes adjustable output voltage from 1.5 to 35 Vpp, AC-coupled input and output ports, typical rise and fall times (20% to 80%) of 28 ps, and crossing-point control of 35% to 75%.
Samples of the GX6151 are available today along with an evaluation board for easy evaluation with low Vpi InP modulators. Production is expected to begin in Q2 2008.
GX6120 and GX 6121
GigOptix has also announced the release of the GX6120 as well as the availability for sampling of a new EA driver variant, GX6121, which is specifically optimized for single ended output configuration. Company representatives say the two Electro-Absorptive (EA) optical modulator drivers provide low power consumption and good input sensitivity in a form factor compatible with commonly used drivers in the market.Â
Operating at data rates up to 11.3 Gbits/sec, the GX6120 supports applications using differential in and differential out topology while the GX6121 is optimized for differential inputs and single ended output (DE/SE). The two EA modulator drivers are pin compatible and are pin aligned to commonly used drivers to allow fast design times and convenient multiple sourcing for new and existing transponder designs.
 The combination of lower power and small form factor enables manufacturers of fiber-optic transceivers to reduce manufacturing cost and transceiver size while providing the highest levels of performance attainable in the industry, claims the company.
Power consumption, heat management, and form factor are the most critical parameters to consider when designing components for lightwave communication systems. The GX6120 typically consumes 650 mW when delivering output voltage of 2.5 Vpp and only 620 mW when delivering 2.3 Vpp. The GX6121 used in DE/SE configuration consumes a typical 480mW at 2.3Vpp output, which is significantly less than other competitive device delivers, note GigOptix representatives. This reduction in power consumption translates into reduced heat dissipation and power supply requirements for transceiver manufacturers, both of which are hot issues for designers of the smaller form factors, such as XFP.
"Our customers have been asking for lower power dissipation and fast time to market," reports Padraig O'Mathuna, director of product marketing at GigOptix. "These drivers offer the ability to easily switch in a better performing driver at a lower cost so our customers can provide more reliable and cost-effective products."
The GX6120 and GX6121 are three-stage modulator drivers operating from a single +3.3-VDC bias supply designed using proprietary design techniques that optimize the key parameters of interest to transceiver manufacturers, says the company. It is compatible with all popular optical transceiver MSAs, including 300 pin,XENPAK, XFP, XPAK, and X2. Other key features of the ICs include adjustable output voltage from 1.2 to 2.5 Vpp for GX6121Â and 1 to 2.5 Vpp for GX6120; AC-coupled input and output ports; typical rise and fall times (20% to 80%) of 28 ps; and crossing-point control of 35% to 75%.
Samples of the GX6120 are available today along with an evaluation board to allow it to be easily evaluated with EA modulators. GX6121 will be sampling later this quarter. Production is expected to begin in Q1 2008.
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