General Description
The MAX3296 shortwave or vertical cavity-surface emitting laser (VCSEL) evaluation kit (EV kit) is an assembled, surface-mount demonstration board that allows easy optical and electrical evaluation of the MAX3286 1.25Gbps laser driver or the MAX3296 2.5Gbps laser driver in the common-cathode configuration. Short wavelength laser diodes (wavelength ≤ 980nm) and VCSELs typically require a common-cathode configuration. In the common-cathode configuration, the laser’s cathode connects to ground and the laser is driven at its anode.

FEATUREs
♦ Drives Common-Cathode Lasers
♦ Includes Socket for Laser Insertion
♦ LED Fault Indicator
♦ Evaluates Either MAX3286 or MAX3296 (installed)
♦ Adjustable DC Bias Current for VCSELs
♦ Adjustable Photodiode Current
♦ Adjustable Modulation Current
♦ Adjustable Modulation Current Tempco
♦ Configured for Electrical Operation, No Laser Necessary