Laser Driver

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX3930, the world's lowest power 10.7 Gbps laser diode driver.

The device expands Maxim's media product line into high-performance OC-192 territory using second-generation, in-house SiGe process technology.

The MAX3930 is designed to directly modulate laser diodes at data rates up to 10.7 Gbps while needing 108 mA from a single +5.0 or -5.2 V supply.

The MAX3930 laser driver consists of a high-speed modulation driver, laser-biasing block, and a pulse-width adjustment control circuit.

The driver receives differential CML signals with 50 ohm on-chip line terminations. It is able to deliver a laser modulation current of 20 to 100 mA with an edge speed of 25 ps.

The high-bandwidth, fully differential signal path is internally implemented to minimise jitter accumulations.

When a clock signal is available, the integrated data retiming function can be selected to improve signal performance. The integrated bias circuit provides a programmable current up to 100 mA.