TEC Controller provides integrated solution for high-precision laser temperature control

February 12, 2004 Wilmington, MA -- Analog Devices has unveiled a new Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC) controller that provides greater efficiency, higher accuracy, lower noise performance, more onboard supervisory functions, and a smaller form factor.

A TEC controller is an application specific standard part (ASSP) used for temperature control in laser modules and passive components used in DWDM optical communications equipment.

The ADN8831 is a highly integrated solution for controlling the TEC in a laser module used in optical communications systems. It features greater than 90% efficiency and lower than 1% ripple noise. It also features system-supervising functions such as real temperature monitoring, temperature lock indication, current limit, switching frequency, and phase changeability. Its wave lock input allows optical equipment designers to build a dual TEC control loop by using both thermistor and wavelockers. Its 5- by 5-mm chip-scale package saves valuable board space.

The ADN8831 addresses key design challenges:
• The single inductor output saves lots of board space, which is especially important for small form-factor designs.

• Integrating the thermistor and compensation amplifiers along with the output protection circuitry lowers the overall cost and size of the design.

• Because the output FETs are external, designers can choose the appropriate sized FETs for their TEC current requirements. Not only does this provide the best power efficiency, it also provides the best overall cost, say company representatives.