16 April 2012

GigOptix launches SiGe dual-channel linear TIA for 40G DWDM coherent optical receivers

GigOptix Inc of San Jose, CA, USA (which supplies semiconductor and optical components for high-speed information streaming) has announced the availability for sampling of its new-generation GX3122B dual-channel linear transimpedance amplifier (TIA) designed for use in 40Gb/s DWDM coherent optical receivers.

Leveraging GigOptix’s previous TIA designs, the GX3122B consists of two balanced linear TIAs integrated on a single silicon germanium (SiGe) die to reduce system complexity and cost. With increased linear gain over 30dB of dynamic range and increased differential gain of 5kOhm, the device amplifies weak signals received from photodiodes to drive the analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and digital signal processor (DSP) in a coherent optical system. The GX3122B is designed to provide good signal fidelity by having less than 5% of total harmonic distortion (THD) over a large dynamic range and being able to efficiently handle the high AC and DC currents seen in coherent receivers.

As well as automatic or manual gain control options and a peak detection function, key features of the GX3122B also include an input power monitor and low power consumption

“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,” notes Dr Raluca Dinu, VP & general manager of GigOptix’s Optics Product Line. “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,” he reckons. “We expect the GX3122B to be a significant contributor to our future growth in the 40G coherent optical market.”

According to Ovum’s latest market report on 40G and 100G optical components, the 40G coherent optical system market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 64% until 2016 (one of fastest-growing segments in 40G and 100G optical networking).

Tags: GigOptix SiGe dual-channel linear TIA

Visit: www.gigoptix.com