+3.0V to +5.5V, 125Mbps to 266Mbps
Limiting Amplifiers with Loss-of-Signal Detector
sensitivity. The offset-correction circuitry is less sensi-
tive to variations of input duty cycle (for example, the
40% to 60% duty cycle encountered in 4B/5B coding)
when the input is less than 30mVp-p.
Loss-of-Signal Comparator
The LOS comparator indicates when the input signal
power is below the programmed LOS threshold. To
ensure supply and temperature independence, VTH is
generated by a 1.2V bandgap reference. The op amp’s
external gain-setting resistors (R1 and R2) can be
chosen to set VTH between 1.2V and 2.4V. To ensure
chatter-free operation, the LOS comparator is designed
with approximately 5dB of hysteresis.
Squelch
The squelch function disables the data outputs by forc-
ing OUT- low and OUT+ high during a LOS condition.
This function ensures that when there is a loss of sig-
nal, the limiting amplifier (and all downstream devices)
does not respond to input noise or corrupt data.
Connect SQUELCH to GND or leave it unconnected to
disable squelch. Connect SQUELCH to VCC to enable
data squelching.
Applications Information
Program the LOS Threshold
Figure 2 provides information for selecting the LOS
threshold voltage (VTH). If R1 is 100kΩ and if the
responsivities of the photodiode and preamplifier are
known, then the value of R2 can be selected from
Figure 2 to provide LOS assert at the desired input
power.
Select Capacitors
A typical MAX3964/MAX3965/MAX3968 implementation
requires four external capacitors (CAZ, CFILTER, and
two input coupling capacitors). For all applications up
to 266Mbps, Maxim recommends the following:
CAZ = 27nF
CFILTER = 10nF
CIN = 10nF
Wire Bonding
For high-current density and reliable operation, the
MAX3964 series uses gold metalization. Diepad size is
4mils square with a 6mil pitch. Die thickness is 15mils.
120
200kV/W
100
80
100kV/W
60
30kV/W
20kV/W
40
15kV/W
20
10kV/W
0
-40 -38 -36 -34 -32 -30 -28 -26
OPTICAL INPUT POWER AT LOS ASSERT (dBm)
Figure 2. LOS Assert Programming Resistor vs. LOS Assert
Power (for various PIN-TIA gains )
PART
MAX3964
MAX3965
MAX3968
Selector Guide
DATA RATE (Mbps)
125 to 155
125 to 155
125 to 266
LOS OUTPUTS
PECL
TTL
PECL
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