GigOptix announces 12.5-Gbps NRZ modulator driver

JUNE 9, 2009 -- GigOptix Inc. (search Lightwave for GigOptix) has introduced the GX6159, a 12.5-Gbps NRZ/DPSK modulator driver.

The GX6159 is a high-voltage modulator driver for 10-Gbps long-haul and metro optical transponders that use lithium niobate (LN) Mach-Zehnder modulators to encode the data onto the fiber. The hybrid device consists of two wideband GigOptix pHEMT amplifiers in a compact ceramic package and is footprint compatible with GigOptix's GX6155 LN driver.

Key features of the GX6159 include:

• 9-Vpp output amplitude with low power dissipation
  
• optimization for bit rates up to 12.5 Gbps
  
• pin castellation for improved soldering reliability verification at assembly and test
  
• ceramic package compatible to common RoHS reflow temperatures
  
• non-inverting polarity
  
• low RMS jitter degradation
  

The GX6159 augments the GigOptix driver portfolio by providing customers with a device that can drive the high voltages required not only for 10G DPSK but also 40G DP-QPSK transponders in a form factor that is compatible with lower voltage driving options such as the GX6155. Market research firm Ovum expects the 40G market "to grow 48% annually through 2013" and indicated that the 40G DP-QPSK market accounts for 45% of the overall 40G market (Ronald Kline, "Global 40G/100G market update," November 2008).

"This higher drive voltage version of our popular LN modulator driver was requested by one of our customers, a leading European transponder maker. The driver is well suited for a 40G DP-QPSK transponder which combines four 10G modulated signals to generate the 40G data stream. A major benefit of this is that it brings a 40G capability over the existing 10G infrastructure thus minimizing the cost for upgrade and making this technique attractive to service providers." stated Julie Tipton, vice president of marketing at GigOptix.

Samples of the GX6159 are available along with an evaluation board.

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