Overview

Features and Benefits

  • Drives Common-Cathode Lasers
  • Includes Socket for Laser Insertion
  • Evaluates MAX3287 (installed) or MAX3288/97/98
  • Adjustable DC Bias Current (MAX3288/98)
  • Adjustable Photodiode Current (MAX3287/97)
  • Adjustable Modulation Current
  • Adjustable Modulation-Current Tempco
  • Configured for Electrical Operation, No Laser Necessary
  • Extra-Small-Size Blank Circuit (for optical evaluation only)

Product Details

The MAX3287 shortwave or VCSEL evaluation kit (EV kit) is an assembled, surface-mount demonstration board that allows easy optical and electrical evaluation of the MAX3287/MAX3288 1.25Gbps laser drivers or the MAX3297/MAX3298 2.5Gbps laser drivers in the common-cathode configuration. Short-wavelength laser diodes (wavelength < 980nm) and vertical cavity-surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) typically require a common-cathode configuration. In the common-cathode configuration, the laser’s cathode connects to ground and the laser is driven at its anode.

When used with the MAX3287/MAX3297, the laser bias current regulates to keep a constant photodiode current (for shortwave laser diodes). When used with the MAX3288/MAX3298, the laser bias current is directly sensed and held constant.

This EV kit includes an extra blank circuit without components to demonstrate a small, tight layout optimized for optical evaluation.