The MAX3956 is an 11.3Gbps, highly-integrated, low-power transceiver with digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM) designed for next-generation Ethernet transmission systems. The receiver incorporates a limiting amplifier and loss-of-signal (LOS) circuit. The limiting amplifier features dual-path architecture optimizing the performance for signals up to 4.25Gbps and up to 11.3Gbps, respectively. The transmitter incorporates Maxim’s proprietary DC-coupled laser driver interface and closed-loop control of laser average power. This part is optimized to enable 0.8W maximum power dissipation target of SFP+ MSA based modules.

The MAX3956 supports differential AC-coupled signaling with 50Ω termination at Rx input, Rx output, and Tx input. The Tx output is a DC-coupled 25Ω laser diode interface with dedicated pins for the laser anode (TOUTA) and the laser cathode (TOUTC).

An integrated 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is utilized to provide digital monitors of internal/external temperature, V_CC, and received signal strength indication (RSSI). The MAX3956’s digital monitors and the use of a 2-wire or 3-wire slave interface enables configuration through a digital-only microcontroller (µC).

The MAX3956 operates from a single +3.3V supply and over a -40°C to +95°C temperature range and is available in a standard 5mm x 5mm, 32-pin TQFN-EP package.