MAX3297

The MAX3286/MAX3296 series of products are highspeed laser drivers for fiber optic LAN transmitters, optimized for Gigabit Ethernet applications. Each device contains a bias generator, laser modulator, and comprehensive safety features. Automatic power control (APC) adjusts the laser bias current to maintain average optical power at a constant level, regardless of changes in temperature or laser properties. For lasers without a monitor photodiode, these products offer a constant-current mode. The circuit can be configured for use with conventional shortwave (780nm to 850nm) or longwave (1300nm) laser diodes, as well as verticalcavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs).
 
The MAX3286 series (MAX3286/MAX3287/MAX3288/ MAX3289) is optimized for operation at 1.25Gbps, and the MAX3296 series (MAX3296/MAX3297/MAX3298/MAX3299) is optimized for 2.5Gbps operation. Each device can switch 30mA of laser modulation current at the specified data rate. Adjustable temperature compensation is provided to keep the optical extinction ratio within specifications over the operating temperature range. This series of devices is optimized to drive lasers packaged in low-cost TO-46 headers. Deterministic jitter (DJ) for the MAX3286 is typically 22ps,allowing a 72% margin to Gigabit Ethernet DJ specifications .

These laser drivers provide extensive safety features to guarantee single-point fault tolerance. Safety features include dual enable inputs, dual shutdown circuits, and a laser-power monitor. The safety circuit detects faults that could cause dangerous light output levels. A programmable power-on reset pulse initializes the laser driver at start-up.

The MAX3286/MAX3296 are available in a compact, 5mm x 5mm, 32-pin TQFP package or in die form. The MAX3287/MAX3288/MAX3289 and MAX3297/MAX3298/ MAX3299 are available in smaller 16-pin TSSOP-EP packages, which are ideal for small form-factor optical modules.