GigOptix reveals new silicon germanium amplifier for 40G networks
GigOptix is making available samples of its new generation GX3122B. Designed for use in 40Gb/s DWDM coherent optical receivers, the device consists of two balanced linear TIAs integrated on a single silicon germanium die. The device amplifies weak signals received from photodiodes to drive the analogue to digital converters and digital signal processor in a coherent optical system. The GX3122B is designed to provide excellent signal fidelity by having total harmonic distortion of less than 5% over 30dB of dynamic range. It can handle the high AC and DC currents seen in coherent receivers. GigOptix says the highly integrated solution with dual channel TIAs reduce system complexity and cost and has an increased differential gain of 5KΩ. What's more, the low power consumption device comes in automatic or manual gain control options and has a peak detection function and an input power monitor. "We are very excited to provide an innovative solution for the 40G coherent market which according to Ovum market research is one of fastest growing segments in the 40G and 100G optical networking market," says Raluca Dinu, Vice President and General Manager of the Optics Product Line at GigOptix. "The increased demand for bandwidth throughout the network driven by the near ubiquitous use of smartphones and the migration of applications from the desktop into the cloud is continuing to force network operators to upgrade their link capacity to handle the increasing traffic. The GX3122B addresses this space uniquely since it was designed in silicon germanium and therefore provides a superior solution in terms of both performance and price. We expect the GX3122B to be a significant contributor to our future growth in the 40G coherent optical market." According to Ovum’s latest report on 40G and 100G optical components, the 40G coherent optical system is expected to grow with a compound annual growth rate of 64% until 2016.
