RFMD introduces SiGe analog ICs for 3.5 Gbit/s datacom transceivers

Similar to wireless handset transceivers, fiber-optic datacom transceivers require complex analog circuitry to transmit and receive signals. RF Micro Devices specializes in the design and manufacture of analog ICs for handsets and expects this core competency will apply directly to analog ICs for fiber-optic transceivers.

Dave Norbury, president and CEO of RF Micro Devices, said, "These components mark our entry into the optical communications arena. We expect this product offering of high speed analog ICs will generate significant interest, given our proven strengths in IC design, process technology, packaging and low-cost, high-volume manufacturing. We plan to leverage these strengths to penetrate the fiber-optic datacom market and anticipate additional product offerings aimed at increasing our content in datacom transceivers."

RFMD is currently sampling ICs to transceiver manufacturers that target high volume, "short-haul" end markets, such as local area networks (LANs), storage area networks (SANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs) and passive optical networks (PONs). Applications operate in Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet serial and parallel optical communications systems, as well as SONET VSR and Fiber Channel (1X, 2X).

The complete family of serial analog ICs is comprised of the following devices:

The RF3730 is a limiting amplifier for use in optical receiver applications that employ a separate transimpedance amplifier (TIA) topology. It requires 3.3V at 35mA typical operation for 120 mW power dissipation. The input and output are internally matched to 50 ohms (100 ohm differential) providing I/O return loss of better than -10 dB. The differential input ranges from 10 to 1000 mV ppk and maintains a constant output of 500mV ppk. The amplifier has been stabilized internally for immunity to temperature and supply voltage variations. The RF3730 is offered in a 16-pin, 4x4mm leadless package and is priced at $4.30 in quantities of 10,000 units. Component samples and fully assembled evaluation boards will be ready for shipment in March 2002.

The RF3740 is a complete receiver and includes a high-gain trans-impedance amplifier, limiting amplifier and a loss-of-signal alarm. It is intended for use as a complete analog receiver excluding the photodiode and requires 3.3V at 65mA typical operation for 215 mW power dissipation. This highly integrated component is useful in high data rate designs that use bare die implementations. The RF3740 features a 2 k.ohm transimpedance gain for efficient conversion of photo-diode current. Input sensitivity is from -20 dBm (20uA ppk) to overload at +0 dBm (2000 ?A ppk) optical power at 1.3um optical wavelength. The output is matched to 50 ohms and 500 mV ppk differential output is maintained regardless of input photocurrent. The loss of signal alarm threshold is set on-chip. The RF3740 is initially offered in bare die configuration and is priced at $7.53 in quantities of 10,000 units. Bare die and fully assembled evaluation boards will be ready for shipment in March 2002.

The RF3750 and RF3760 are integrated laser drivers with an automatic power control loop and failure alarm. The RF3750 is optimized for VCSEL-based applications. It requires 3.3 V at 20 mA quiescent current for 66 mW quiescent power dissipation, and 210 mW dissipation at its operating maximum. The RF3750 s laser bias current supply range is 2-25 mA and the laser modulation current range is 1-18 mA. The RF3760 is optimized for Fabry-Perot and distributed feedback edge emitting laser applications. It requires 3.3 V at 25 mA quiescent current for 83 mW quiescent power dissipation and 412 mW at its operating maximum. The RF3760 s laser bias current supply range is 2-50 mA and the laser modulation current range is 3-50 mA The RF3750 and RF3760 offer on-chip input matching to establish 50 ohms input (100 ohm differential), and a single-ended output. An external resistor is used in both devices to program the modulation current and bias current values. Using an external photo-diode enables the automatic power control loop to maintain constant average optical output power over temperature and laser-aging variations. Both devices feature alarm functionality to indicate the failure of a laser or photo-diode. The transmit disable block enables the user to turn off both bias and modulation currents to eliminate light output from the laser. The RF3750 and RF3760 are offered in a very small 3x3mm, 16-pin leadless packages providing improved board real estate utilization. Both devices are priced at $3.73 in quantities of 10,000 units. Components and fully assembled evaluation boards will be ready for shipment in March 2002. RFMD
Tel. +1 336 664-1233
Jerry Neal, Executive VP of Marketing and Strategic Development
Kevin Walsh, Marketing Manager of Optical Communications Products
Jennifer Vrobel, Senior Applications Engineer of Optical Communications Products
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Web site: http://www.rfmd.com