Semtech releases 14-Gbps quad TIA and quad VCSEL driver for short-reach optical interconnects

Communications semiconductor supplier Semtech Corp. (NASDAQ: SMTC) has released a pair of chips for four-channel short-reach optical interconnect designs from 1 to 14.5 Gbps. The chipset includes the GN1090 quad-channel transimpedance amplifier (TIA) and the GN1190 quad-channel vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) driver.

The CMOS chips offer high-performance and low power dissipation with a high level of integration, Semtech asserts, for such applications as optical modules, active optical cables (AOCs), and optical interconnects.

The chipset supports what Semtech describes as "a complete set" of alarms and monitoring to simplify module-level firmware design and enable the use of micro controller units (MCU). Adjustable equalization simplifies PCB design and optimizes performance to any host system electrical interface, the company adds.

Meanwhile, the GN1090's gain and signal integrity, as well as its input sensitivity, eliminate the need for additional post amplification in the module.

"The GN1090 and GN1190 chipset has been an overwhelming success for Semtech and our customers," said Timothy Vang, senior director of datacom marketing for Semtech's Signal Integrity Product Group. "The performance and feature set of the GN1090 and GN1190 have enabled our customers to quickly bring to market leading solutions for 40-Gbps QSFP+ and active optical cables for data centers and a wide range of other applications."

The GN1090 and GN1190 are in full production now.

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