Optical transceiver modules come in inexpensive TO cans

Manufacturers of SFP28 modules for data center and radio fronthaul applications can now use TO-cans enabled by the industry’s first transceiver IC, which is shipping now from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

Maxim’s SFP28 transceiver allows module manufacturers to avoid a driver inside the transmit optical subassembly (TOSA). This keeps heat away from the sensitive laser, simplifies production, and improves yield. Maxim’s SFP28 transceiver also includes advanced digital eye tuning capabilities that enable use of low-cost TO-can based optics. The SFP28 module can simply be designed in the same way as an SFP+ module using TO optics, one transceiver IC, and one controller IC.

SFP28 optical modules for data centers and radio fronthaul applications need to offer cost competitive performance relative to the incumbent SFP+ module, while still having low power and a wide operating temperature range. Optimized specifically for these requirements, Maxim’s 28.1Gbps low-power transceiver IC has a CDR and laser driver in the transmit path, and a high sensitivity limiting amp and CDR in the receive path.

Key Advantages

• Enables low-cost optics: Reduced module BOM through the use of TO-can based optics
• Accelerates time to market: Digital eye tuning at the output reduces design spins
• Reduces production costs: Reusing TO-can-based 10Gbps manufacturing flow improves yield

Maxim
maximintegrated.com