Optical Control Chip

Dallas Semiconductor has announced the DS1846 NV tri-potentiometer, memory and micromonitor, an integrated chip that enhances laser control and design flexibility in optical transceiver modules.

The DS1846 combines three linear taper potentiometers with non-volatile memory and a CPU supervisor in reduced TSSOP packaging.

Separately, each of these features contributes to control within optical systems.

Digital potentiometers are used to automatically and precisely control bias voltages and current to laser diodes in optical transceiver modules.

Non-volatile memory is required to configure and store application-specific calibration data and to control wiper settings for each potentiometer, with space available for user-specific data.

The DS1846's on-chip micromonitor tracks parameters for processor function. When a sense input detects an out-of-tolerance voltage level, the micromonitor initiates and holds a system reset until safe operating conditions return.

The monitor is programmable for various voltage levels and includes a manual reset.