Dec 12 2007
Micrel Inc., an industry leader in analog, high bandwidth communications, and Ethernet IC solutions, today added four new solutions to their growing family of post amplifiers; the SY88303BL, SY88305BL, SY88307BL, SY88309BL. All four low-power Post Amplifiers feature Loss-of-Signal (LOS) or Signal Detect circuits, which are optimized to detect a wide input signal range. This feature is ideal for copper module applications and fiber optic module designs that use high gain ROSAs (Receiver Optical Sub-Assemblies).
These receiver designs typically use an APD (Avalanche Photo Diode) or high gain TIA (Transimpedance Amplifier). The solutions are targeted at a wide variety of data and telecomm markets including PON, Gigabit Ethernet, 1X and 2X Fiber Channel, and SONET/SDH: OC3/12/24/48 -- STM 1/4/8/16 data rates. All devices are currently in volume production with pricing for 1K quantities starting at $2.49.
"In applications where there is the presence of a high noise floor or there is a need to detect large input signals, it is important to use post amplifiers with detection circuits that provide the right threshold level settings," said Thomas S. Wong, vice president high bandwidth products for Micrel. "These new post amplifier solutions offer better alternatives to those available on the market today."
The SY88303BL and SY88307BL both feature a LOS circuit that is optimized to detect a larger and wider input signal range. Both optimized LOS/SD circuits are designed for applications where Avalanche Photodiodes and/or high-gain transimpedance amplifiers are used where a significant amount of noise can be added to the signal. Also, these Post Amplifier solutions can be used in copper module and backplane applications where the signal levels are normally much higher. The SY88303BL and SY88305BL have CML-level outputs whereas the SY88307BL and SY88309BL have higher swing PECL-level outputs. The devices are also well-suited for operation in multi-rate applications from 155Mbps to 3.2Gbps. The detectable input range extends from 20mVpp to 140mVpp, which is wider than the range offered by devices currently available on the market. The devices also feature adjustable LOS threshold, internal 50Ohm termination, and high gain through their data paths. The SY88305BL and SY88309BL are identical to the aforementioned Post Amplifiers except they include a Signal-Detect (SD) circuit instead of a LOS circuit. The different data output and input detection circuit options offer system designers flexibility in their projects and demonstrate Micrel's commitment to providing optimum limiting post amplifier solutions for every application.
These products are suited for multi-rate applications where the same post amplifier is optimized to operate over a wide range of data rates and signal amplitudes. They do not require external compensation and can operate from 155Mbps to 3.2Gbps with signal amplitudes ranging from 10mVpp to 1800mVpp. All the new Micrel devices are offered in an ultra-small 16-pin MLF(R) package which saves critical space while providing excellent performance. The ICs also come in a 10-pin EPAD-MSOP package option.