Discovery Semiconductors launches Quad Photodiode Arrays for 40G/100G applications

FEBRUARY 2, 2009 -- Discovery Semiconductors Inc. (search for Discovery Semiconductor) has introduced its four-element Quad InGaAs Photodiode Arrays for 40- and 100-Gbps optical communications. 

The Quad PD Arrays consist of four photodiodes monolithically integrated on a common InP substrate and are fabricated using Discovery's high-reliability low FIT rate InGaAs/InP semiconductor process, say company representatives. The Quad PD Array consists of either 10-, 30-, 40-, or 50-um diameter photodiodes. The individual RF bandwidth of the photodiodes is 10, 15, 20, or 40 GHz. The top illuminated photodiodes work equally well for 1.3-um as well as 1.5-um-based communication systems. 

The optical power handling of each photodiode exceeds +12dBm, thus making it a must for coherent systems requiring high optical LO power, says the company. The target applications include 100-Gbps Long-Haul Pol-Mux (D)QPSK, 40-Gbps Long-Haul (D)QPSK, and 40G/100G parallel networking. Â
 
The Quad PD Array can be configured as a four-channel receiver or as a four-channel balanced receiver using two arrays. The Quad PD Array is available as a module with singlemode fiber pigtails with GPPO or coplanar waveguide RF outputs and is available with or without integrated transimpedance amplifiers. 

"The addition of the Quad PD Array and Quad Balanced Receiver to our existing photodiode and balanced receiver product lines is a key enabler for next-generation optical systems such as long-haul DWDM 100G, where the receive-side function of the network is most complex and critical," notes Jim Rue, Discovery Semiconductor's manager of high-speed receivers.
 
"The Quad Array was designed and developed by Mr. Abhay Joshi, CEO of Discovery Semiconductors, for a mm-wave defense project," adds Amanda Wurm, Discovery spokesperson. "Significant efforts were devoted to ensuring very high optical and RF isolation between the individual photodiodes, thus making it highly attractive for applications such as coherent systems."

Â
Visit Discovery Semiconductors