Date: 12/11/2009

14Gbps single-chip VCSEL driver and limiting amplifier for Ethernet/Fibre channel apps

Maxim has introduced the MAX3799, a new single-chip VCSEL driver and dual-path limiting-amplifier that operates up to 14Gbps, making it suitable for SFP+ Ethernet and Fibre Channel applications.

By providing a selectable data path with a noise-shaping filter, the MAX3799 enables a module with 10G optics and compliant with both 1000BASE-SR and 10GBASE-SR specifications.

The use of a 3-wire digital interface reduces the pin count while enabling advanced Rx (rate selection, LOS threshold, LOS squelch, LOS polarity, CML output level, signal path polarity, deemphasis, and fast mode-select change time) and Tx settings (modulation current, bias current, polarity, and eye safety control) without the need for external components. The MAX3799 provides multiple current and voltage DACs to allow the use of low-cost controller ICs.

The key features of the MAX3799 IC are,

320mW of low power dissipation at 3.3V power supply
-21.5dBm optical sensitivity at 1.25Gbps using a 10.32Gbps ROSA (-19.7dBm OMA)
Typical electrical performance of 14.025Gbps on Rx/Tx (Non-Retimed 16x Fibre Channel Solution)
3mVP-P receiver sensitivity at 10.32Gbps
4psP-P DJ at receiver output at 8.5Gbps 8B/10B
4psP-P DJ at receiver output at 10.32Gbps 231 - 1 PRBS
26ps rise and fall time at Rx/Tx output
CML Output Squelch
Modulation current up to 12mA into 100-Ohm differential load
Bias current up to 15mA
Integrated eye safety features

The suggested applications of the MAX3799 IC include 1000BASE-SR/10GBASE-SR Multirate SFP+ optical transceiver, 1x/2x/4x/8x/16x SFF/SFP/SFP+ MSA Fibre Channel (FC) optical transceiver

Operating temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
Package: 5mm x 5mm, 32-pin TQFN package
Price: Starts at $2.76 for 10k pieces
Availability: An evaluation kit and SFP+ reference design are available.

For more details visit www.maxim-ic.com

Editorial Product Rating: Average