MAX3935

The MAX3935 is designed to drive an electro-absorption modulator (EAM) at data rates up to 10.7Gbps. It provides programmable output levels through externally adjustable bias and modulation currents. This EAM driver is fabricated with Maxim's in-house second-generation SiGe process.

The MAX3935 accepts differential ECL or ground-referenced CML clock and data-input signals. Inputs are terminated with on-chip 50Ω resistors. An input-data retiming latch can be used to reject input-pattern-dependent jitter if a clock signal is available.

The driver can modulate EAM devices at amplitudes up to 3.0V_P-P when the device impedance is 50Ω. Typical (20% to 80%) edge speeds are 34ps. The output has an on-chip 75Ω resistor for back termination. The MAX3935 allows for an EAM bias voltage up to 1.2V.

The MAX3935 also includes an adjustable pulse-width control circuit to precompensate for asymmetrical EAM characteristics.

Applications

• Add/Drop Multiplexers
• DWDM
• Metro and Long-Haul Transmitters
• SONET OC-192 and SDH STM-64
• Transmission Systems