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MAX3738
155Mbps to 4.25Gbps SFF/SFP Laser Driver with Extinction Ratio Control
Multirate Laser Driver with Extinction Ratio Control Designed for Multirate Transceiver Modules with Data Rates from 1Gbps to 4.25Gbps
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Key Features
Applications/Uses
Parametric specs for Laser Drivers
| Target Oper. Range (Gbps) | 1 to 4.5 <1 |
| Data Rate (Mbps) (min) | 155 |
| Data Rate (Mbps) (max) | 4250 |
| VSUPPLY (V) | 3.3 |
| ICC (mA) (typ) | 47 |
| I/O Type | CML |
| IMOD (mA) (max) | 85 |
| IBIAS (mA) (max) | 100 |
| Package/Pins | TQFN/24 |
| Budgetary Price (See Notes) | 1.46 |
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Parameters
Parametric specs for Laser Drivers
| Target Oper. Range (Gbps) | 1 to 4.5 <1 |
| Data Rate (Mbps) (min) | 155 |
| Data Rate (Mbps) (max) | 4250 |
| VSUPPLY (V) | 3.3 |
| ICC (mA) (typ) | 47 |
| I/O Type | CML |
| IMOD (mA) (max) | 85 |
| IBIAS (mA) (max) | 100 |
| Package/Pins | TQFN/24 |
| Budgetary Price (See Notes) | 1.46 |
Key Features
- Single +3.3V Power Supply
- 47mA Power-Supply Current
- 85mA Modulation Current
- 100mA Bias Current
- Automatic Power Control (APC)
- Modulation Compensation
- On-Chip Temperature Compensation
- Self-Biased Inputs for AC-Coupling
- Ground-Referenced Current Monitors
- Laser Shutdown and Alarm Outputs
- Enable Control and Laser Safety Feature
Applications/Uses
- 1Gbps/2Gbps/4Gbps Fibre Channel SFF/SFP and GBIC Transceivers
- Gigabit Ethernet SFF/SFP and GBIC Transceivers
- Multirate OC-24 to OC-48 FEC Transceivers
Description
The MAX3738 is a +3.3V laser driver designed for multirate transceiver modules with data rates from 1Gbps to 4.25Gbps. Lasers can be DC-coupled to the MAX3738 for reduced component count and ease of multirate operation.
Laser extinction ratio control (ERC) combines the features of automatic power control (APC), modulation compensation, and built-in thermal compensation. The APC loop maintains constant average optical power. Modulation compensation increases the modulation current in proportion to the bias current. These control loops, combined with thermal compensation, maintain a constant optical extinction ratio over temperature and lifetime.
The MAX3738 accepts differential data input signals. The wide 5mA to 60mA (up to 85mA AC-coupled) modulation current range and up to 100mA bias current range, make the MAX3738 ideal for driving FP/DFB lasers in fiber optic modules. External resistors set the required laser current levels. The MAX3738 provides transmit disable control (TX_DISABLE), single-point fault tolerance, bias-current monitoring, and photocurrent monitoring. The device also offers a latched failure output (TX_FAULT) to indicate faults, such as when the APC loop is no longer able to maintain the average optical power at the required level. The MAX3738 is compliant with the SFF-8472 transmitter diagnostic and SFP MSA timing requirements.
The MAX3738 is offered in a 4mm x 4mm, 24-pin thin QFN package and operates over the extended -40°C to +85°C temperature range.
Laser extinction ratio control (ERC) combines the features of automatic power control (APC), modulation compensation, and built-in thermal compensation. The APC loop maintains constant average optical power. Modulation compensation increases the modulation current in proportion to the bias current. These control loops, combined with thermal compensation, maintain a constant optical extinction ratio over temperature and lifetime.
The MAX3738 accepts differential data input signals. The wide 5mA to 60mA (up to 85mA AC-coupled) modulation current range and up to 100mA bias current range, make the MAX3738 ideal for driving FP/DFB lasers in fiber optic modules. External resistors set the required laser current levels. The MAX3738 provides transmit disable control (TX_DISABLE), single-point fault tolerance, bias-current monitoring, and photocurrent monitoring. The device also offers a latched failure output (TX_FAULT) to indicate faults, such as when the APC loop is no longer able to maintain the average optical power at the required level. The MAX3738 is compliant with the SFF-8472 transmitter diagnostic and SFP MSA timing requirements.
The MAX3738 is offered in a 4mm x 4mm, 24-pin thin QFN package and operates over the extended -40°C to +85°C temperature range.
Technical Docs
Support & Training
Search our knowledge base for answers to your technical questions.
Filtered SearchOur dedicated team of Applications Engineers are also available to answer your technical questions. Visit our support portal .
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