Limiting amplifier features programmable decision threshold
April 27, 2006 San Jose, CA -- Micrel has introduced the SY88353BL, which the company calls a low power, high-performance, 3.2 Gbit/sec limiting post amplifier optimized for WDM systems; the device is also suitable for Gigabit Ethernet, 1X and 2X Fiber Channel, and OC-3/STM-1 through OC-48/STM-16 applications.
"This product will solve a lot of issues for our customers where duty cycle distortion and DC offsets must be addressed," comments Thomas S. Wong, vice president of high bandwidth products for Micrel. "Furthermore, Micrel's limiting amplifier has a programmable decision threshold that enhances bit error rate performance, another important consideration in the growing networking space."
Micrel says the amplifier provides a unique pin at which a variable DC signal can be applied to adjust an output signal crossing from 20 to 80%. The company says this feature eliminates input DC offsets in DC-coupled applications, minimizes jitter caused by duty cycle distortion, and ultimately optimizes bit error rate (BER) performance.
The SY88353BL operates from a single 3.3 V power supply, over temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C. Input signals with data rates from 155 Mbit/sec up to 3.2 Gbit/sec, and as small as 10 mV pp, can be amplified to drive devices with CML or PECL inputs. The device also offers fast loss-of-signal (LOS) release/assert time, low-noise CML data outputs, and a chatter-free Open-Collector TTL LOS feature.
The IC comes in a 3 x 3-mm MLF package. Pricing starts at $3.13 in 10k quantities.