Oki Electric develops unveils new 10-Gbit/sec optical modulator driver IC

August 7, 2006 Tokyo -- Oki Electric Industry Co. Ltd. has developed a 10-Gbit/sec Mach-Zehnder modulator driver IC for high-speed optical communications. This IC comes in what the company claims is the world's smallest package for a device equipped with bias-T. It also features an output voltage of 9 Vpp, which is a 1.5-fold increase from conventional chips, achieving the largest output voltage in the industry, say company representatives.

For 10-bit/sec optical communications, achieving long-distance data transmission and reducing the cost of dispersion compensation are critical. Though new methods such as duo binary module and Differential Phase Shift Keying (DPSK)--which are strong in relation to dispersion--are being developed, they require driver ICs with higher output amplitude since the modulator is driven with higher voltage than conventional ones.

The KGL4166 is a 10-Gbit/sec optical modulator driver IC that runs on 9-Vpp output voltage. By adopting high-voltage process elements and optimizing circuit designs, the driver IC achieves output voltage of 9 Vpp, putting it in the industry's highest-class, say company representatives. In addition, by miniaturizing the chip, Oki says it achieves the world's smallest mounting area of 10.9 x 8mm for a chip equipped with bias-T.

"We believe theIKGL4166 will have an impact on the 10-Gbit/sec optical communications market, which is expected to grow," notes Masayuki Tsuboi, president of the Optical Components Company at Oki Electric. "This super-small driver IC will enable customers in the optical transceiver business to create smaller, higher quality optical communication devices. Oki will launch this product from the fiscal year ending March 2008, and, utilizing the advantages of high-speed and high voltage in the device, we will target a 50% share in the Mach-Zehnder modulator driver IC market," he adds.