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HFAN-2.2.1
Rev.1; 04/08
Functional Diagrams
*Patent Pending1
Pin Configurations appear at end of data sheet.
Functional Diagrams continued at end of data sheet.
UCSP is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
LE
AVAILAB
Maintaining the Extinction Ratio of Optical Transmitters
Using K-Factor1 Control
1 Overview One way to compensate for the laser behavior
change in both threshold and slope efficiency over
It is critical to maintain constant optical output for temperature is based on an automatic power control
laser diodes addressing high speed, fiber optic (APC) loop and a temperature sensor. The driver
transmitter applications. Establishing a proper laser sets the laser modulation current (IMOD) to a pre-
bias current is necessary to minimize laser turn- programmed value according to the operating
on/turn-off delay and relaxation oscillation. temperature. The APC loop determines the bias
Appropriate laser biasing also limits the sensitivity current based on the monitor diode photocurrent,
penalty of optical receivers introduced by inadequate which is proportional to the average optical power
extinction ratio (re = P1 / P0). A well-controlled laser (PAVG). This approach requires part-to-part
modulation current (corresponding to P1) ensures adjustment, and provides loose control accuracy of
that the channel optical-power budget is met without the modulation current.
exceeding the optical-receiver-overload level. For
An alternative approach is to use an automatic
some low-cost lasers, optimized performances can
modulation control (AMC) loop, together with an
only be achieved within a tight bias and modulation
APC loop2. The average laser slope efficiency is
range.
predicted by detecting the incremental slope of the
laser diode at P0 or P1. This is accomplished by
Figure 1 shows the driving current and optical
applying a low-frequency tone to the laser current
output behavior of a typical laser diode. Notice that
within the monitor diode bandwidth. However the
the laser threshold increases and the slope efficiency
incremental slope at P0 or P1 does not necessarily
decreases as the operating temperature goes up.
follow the average slope efficiency change over
Therefore, the driver needs to provide an increased
temperature and operating range.
amount of bias current and modulation current to
maintain a constant laser emission.
This application note presents a new solution, using
K-factor1 compensation to maintain laser extinction
Optical Output ratio by changing the modulation current in
proportion to the bias current when closing the APC
P1
loop. The concept is discussed and experimental
T1 T2 results are presented. This approach has been
PAVG implemented in the MAX3863 2.7Gbps laser driver
with modulation compensation3, 4.
T1 < T2
P0
ILD 2 K-Factor Compensation
The following equation shows the relationship
IBIAS1 IMOD1 IMOD2 between the laser modulation current and the
IBIAS2 threshold current over temperature. It is found that
this approximation is valid for most semiconductor
laser diodes:
Figure 1. Laser behavior changes over
temperature
Ith (mA )
by the following conditions: 40
re '-1
I MODS = 2 PAVG A (3) 30
re '+1
20
r '-1
K = 2 PAVG e B (4) -40 -15 10 35 60 85
re '+1 Temp eratu re (C)
where re is the desired extinction ratio and PAVG is Figure 2. Laser threshold change over
the desired average optical power maintained by an temperature
APC loop. The logic 1 level P1 and logic 0 level
P0 are:
1 0.02
A v erag e Slo p e Efficiency (W /A )
1 0.016
P0 = PAVG I MOD (6)
2
0.014
M eas u red
The actual extinction ratio (re) of the optical signal 0.012 Calculated
will then be adjusted and maintained to the desired
level: 0.01
-40 -15 10 35 60 85
1
PAVG + I MOD Temperatu re (C)
P1 2
re = = = re ' (7)
P0 1
PAVG I MOD Figure 3. Laser average slope efficiency
2 change over temperature (PAVG = -4dBm): from
measurement and from calculation
Constants A and B should be selected to take into
account the variation of average laser slope For a desired extinction ratio re = 8.0 (9dB) and
efficiency over the operating temperature range. average power PAVG = 0.4mW (-4dBm), the
compensation factor K and the constant portion of
9
3. Data Sheet: MAX3863: 2.7Gbps Laser
8 Driver with Modulation Compensation. -
Dis abled
Maxim Integrated Products, January 2002.
7
En abled
6
4. Reference Design: 2.5Gbps SFF
Transmitter. HFRD 02.0, Maxim
5 Integrated Products. Document may also be
-40 -15 10 35 60 85 obtained by calling Customer Applications
Temperature (C) hot line at 503-547-2400.).