system's bit error rate as described in the
Optical Receivers
section, users can adjust clock phase
relative to the data signal by accessing the pins PHADJ+ and PHADJ-. Finally, a decision
circuit supported by the recovered clock signal (from the PLL) regenerates timing and
amplitude characteristics for the incoming data stream.
Deserializers (DEMUX)
To support the various CMOS system-interface circuits available today, Maxim offers the
MAX3680 and MAX3681 deserializers. The MAX3680 converts a 622Mbps serial data stream
to a 78Mbps stream of 8-bit words. Data and clock outputs are TTL compatible, and the power
consumption is 165mW at +3.3V. The MAX3681 converts a 622Mbps serial data stream to a
155Mbps stream of 4-bit words. Its differential data and clock outputs support an LVDS
interface for CMOS system components, and its power consumption is 265mW at +3.3V. Both
parts offer serial differential-PECL inputs for data and clock, and a synchronization function
(SYNC pin) that enables a bit realignment of the deserializer's data outputs.
Serializer (MUX)
The MAX3691 serializer converts four LVDS data streams at 155Mbps to a serial stream at
622Mbps. The necessary transmission clock is synthesized using a fully integrated PLL
comprising a voltage-controlled oscillator, a loop-filter amplifier, and a phase/frequency
detector that requires only an external reference clock. All the data- and clock-input buffers are
LVDS-compatible, and the serial data output delivers differential-PECL signals. Power
dissipation is 215mW at +3.3V.
Laser Driver (LD)
The main task of the laser driver (MAX3667) is to deliver the bias (IBIAS) and modulation
current (IMOD) for a direct-modulated laser diode. For flexibility, the differential inputs accept
PECL data streams and also differential voltage swings as small as 320mVp-p, with DC levels
in the range 1V to (VCC - 0.75V). Connecting an external resistor between BIASSET and
ground lets you adjust the bias current between 5mA and 90mA, and a resistor between
MODSET and ground lets you adjust the modulation current between 5mA and 60mA.
An integrated, temperature-stabilized reference voltage ensures stable bias and modulation
currents. To avoid laser damage, a protection circuit disables the MAX3667 when any of the
pins BIASSET, MODSET, or APCSET are short-circuited to ground. To avoid excessive
current that could alter the laser's performance, an internal circuit also limits the sum of output
currents IMOD and IBIAS to approximately 150mA. As described in the
Optical Transmitter
section, an integrated APC circuit, supported by an external detector diode, maintains the initial
user-defined average laser power constant over time and temperature.
The detector diode's average current value is established by applying an external resistor
between the APCSET and GND pins. Two monitor outputs (BIASMON and MODMON)
deliver output currents directly proportional to the bias and modulation currents. The bias,
modulation, and APCSET currents can be disabled via the DISABLE pin, but all other
functions including the reference voltage remain active to allow a fast and predictable wake-up.
In addition, an integrated slow-start function provides a 50ns minimum turn-on time that
reduces laser stress. In contrast to other laser drivers available in today's market, the MAX3667
can operate from a single +3.3V supply.