- News
7 June 2018
Emcore launches mini-Tx 1.2GHz, 1550nm L-EML CATV transmitter subassembly
© Semiconductor Today Magazine / Juno PublishiPicture: Disco’s DAL7440 KABRA laser saw.
Emcore Corp of Alhambra, CA, USA – which provides indium phosphide (InP)-based optical chips, components, subsystems and systems for the broadband and specialty fiber-optics markets – has launched the Model 3644 mini-Tx 1.2GHz, 1550nm linear externally modulated laser (L-EML) CATV transmitter subassembly, which is claimed to be the most compact L-EML-based transmitter released to-date. The Model 3644 will support links up to 100km with all the core elements required for designers to quickly integrate L-EML device technology into a variety of CATV transmitter platforms.
Invented, developed and manufactured exclusively at Emcore, the L-EML technology consists of a high-power, low-noise, narrow-linewidth laser combined with a proprietary highly linearized modulator in a monolithic assembly. It enables long-distance optical link performance approaching traditional lithium niobate-based externally modulated transmitters, but is much more cost-effective and far exceeds the performance of distributed feedback (DFB) laser-based systems.
The new 3644 mini-Tx is designed to support traditional hybrid fiber coax (HFC) multi-wavelength node-splitting radio frequency over glass (RFoG) and RF overlay for fiber-to-the-premise (FTTP) applications. The platform supports RF loads of analog, quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) to 1218MHz and is fully DOCSIS 3.1 compatible. The 3644 mini-Tx achieves a modulation error ratio (MER) of 44dB across the entire operating band under full QAM load conditions. MER at the receiver is the key parameter for link performance in modern QAM-based HFC networks. Additionally, there is an RF test port on-board with monitor and control via an RS-232 interface.
“Since their introduction, the acceptance of L-EML-based CATV transmitters has been tremendous,” says senior product line director Grant Olecko. “Our customers asked us to expand on the form-factor options to allow them greater flexibility on how they integrate the technology into their platforms,” he adds. “With the new 3644 mini-Tx we now have a wider range of form-factor options to satisfy broader customer and market requirements.”
Emcore is showcasing its new Model 3644 mini-Tx 1.2GHz, 1550nm L-EML CATV transmitter subassembly, along with its complete line of cable network solutions, in booth #Q60 (hall 8) at ANGACOM 2018 Exhibition & Congress for Broadband, Cable and Satellite at the Cologne Congress Center, Germany (12-14 June).