12 March 2014

MACOM launches first monolithically integrated EML driver and CDR

At the Optical Fiber Communication event (OFC 2014) in San Francisco (11-13 March), M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc of Lowell, MA, USA (which makes semiconductors, components and subassemblies for analog, RF, microwave and millimeter-wave applications) has launched what is claimed to be the first 100Gbps (4x28Gbps) electro-absorption modulated laser (EML) driver monolithically integrated with clock & data recovery (CDR) functions.

High-density front-panel networking applications utilizing small-form-factor pluggable modules require dramatic reductions in component power consumption and footprint, says the firm. MACOM’s new M37047 four-channel device supports data rates required for multiple standards, including 100G Ethernet, enhanced data rate (EDR) InfiniBand, 32G Fibre Channel and Optical Transport Network (OTU-4).

By integrating laser drivers with MACOM’s low-power CDRs, the device achieves what is reckoned to be the industry’s lowest power consumption and smallest footprint. It is optimized for transmitter functions in optical modules and allows users to complement the already available M37046 CDR device, which is optimized for receiver functions. Both devices are packaged in 4mm x 4.5mm form factors, making them a suitable chip-set solution for small-form-factor optical modules.

The new M37047 device expands on MACOM’s family of signal conditioners, cross-point switches and physical media devices (PMDs) for networking and enterprise solutions.

“The transition of network connectivity to 100Gbps, combined with the need for high-density front-panel optics, drives the need for optical modules such as the CFP-4 and QSFP28,” comments Beck Mason, vice president of R&D for optoelectronic chip and module maker JDSU of Milpitas, CA, USA. “To enable these small-form-factor optics, semiconductor suppliers must break through traditional power consumption levels,” he adds. “By utilizing their CDR technology and monolithically integrating it with laser drivers, MACOM has been able to deliver a low-power device needed by JDSU to enable a 100GBASE-LR4 CFP4 optical module.” JDSU partnered with MACOM and demonstrated a CFP4 module.

“Our new integrated CDR with laser driver further expands our product portfolio addressing 100Gbps optical interconnect applications,” notes Hasnain Bajwa, senior VP & general manager, High Performance Analog, at MACOM. “The integration enables us to deliver low power demanded by our customers while reducing footprint, making our solution ideal for small-form-factor optical modules.”

MACOM’s M37047 is currently sampling exclusively to development partners, and will become available for sampling to the general market in second-half 2014. It is showcased in MACOM’s booth #631 and as part of JDSU’s CFP-4 demonstration in booth #1315 at OFC.

See related items:

MACOM to showcase expanded portfolio of 100G products at OFC

Tags: M/A-COM

Visit: www.macomtech.com

Visit: www.jdsu.com