24 March 2015

MACOM demos first linear EML driver for 400Gbs applications

In booth 1947 at the Optical Fiber Communication conference & exposition (OFC 2015) in Los Angeles (24-26 March), M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc of Lowell, MA, USA (which makes semiconductors, components and subassemblies for analog RF, microwave, millimeter-wave and photonic applications) is demonstrating the newest additions to its portfolio of drivers for 100Gbps and beyond Ethernet applications. "We are proud to offer the industry's first linear EML driver for 400G applications"

The MAOM-003115 is a very compact and high-bandwidth linear EML (electro-absorption modulator laser) driver that can deliver up to 2Vpp single-ended output. This surface-mount device offers variable gain control and what is claimed to be excellent linearity over the operating range. The driver has been used to demonstrate a 400Gbps link over 2km of single-mode fiber (SMF) using four wavelengths running at 100Gbps each.

MACOM says that data-center providers have challenged optical module vendors to provide a low-power and low-cost approach to 400G in a QSFP form factor to maximize port density in new mega data-centers. Higher-order complex modulation schemes enable 100Gbps data rates on a single wavelength using currently available optical components. A low-power, linear driver is critical to achieving system-level performance in these modules, says the firm.

The device is the industry's first linear EML driver for 400G applications, claims product manager Ray Moroney. "This further expands MACOM's extensive portfolio of drivers for long-haul, metro and data-center applications," he adds. 

Tags: M/A-COM

Visit: www.macomtech.com

Visit: www.ofcconference.org