Maxim Integrated Products launches multi-rate laser driver with extinction ratio control
27 January 2004 Sunnyvale, CA Lightwave--Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX3738, a multi-rate laser driver that features extinction ratio control to help reduce manufacturing costs. The MAX3738 operates from 1 to 2.7 Gbits/sec and can be AC- or DC-coupled to the laser diode for use in OC-48, Gigabit Ethernet, and Fibre Channel long-reach transceiver modules. When combined with the MAX3748A limiting amplifier and the MAX3744 transimpendance amplifier, the MAX3738 forms a low-cost chipset for multi-rate optical transceivers.
The MAX3738 includes automatic power control, modulation compensation, and on-chip thermal compensation. These features allow the module to maintain a constant extinction ratio over lifetime and temperature. The MAX3738 meets all requirements for small-form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules with SFF-8472 Digital Diagnostics.
Operating from a single 3.3V supply, the MAX3738 laser driver has a programmable bias-current range of 1 to 100 mA and modulation-current range of up to 85 mA when coupled. The device has self-biasing data inputs and consumes only 155 mW of power. With edge-speed transition times of only 65 psec, the MAX3738 generates only 18 psec of deterministic jitter and 0.6 psec of random jitter.
The MAX3738 is available in a 4mm x 4mm, 24-pin QFN package and operates over the extended temperature range (-40° to +85°C). Prices start at $5.50 (1000-up, FOB USA). An evaluation kit is available to speed designs.
A preliminary data sheet for this product is available on the web at http://www.maxim-ic.com/PRGraphics/PRPDF/MAX3738DS.pdf.