The MAX3286/MAX3296 series of products are high-speed laser drivers for fiber optic LAN transmitters optimized for Gigabit Ethernet applications. Each device contains a bias generator, laser modulator, and comprehensive safety features. Automatic power control (APC) adjusts the laser bias current to maintain average optical power at a constant level, regardless of changes in temperature or laser properties. For lasers without a monitor photodiode, these products offer a constant-current mode. The circuit can be configured for use with conventional shortwave (780nm to 850nm) or longwave (1300nm) laser diodes, as well as vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs). The MAX3286 series (MAX3286–MAX3289) is optimized for operation at 1.25Gbps, and the MAX3296 series (MAX3296–MAX3299) is optimized for 2.5Gbps operation. Each device can switch 30mA of laser modulation current at the specified data rate. Adjustable temperature compensation is provided to keep the optical extinction ratio within specifications over the operating temperature range. This series of devices is optimized to drive lasers packaged in low-cost TO-46 headers. Deterministic jitter (DJ) for the MAX3286 is typically 22ps, allowing a 72% margin to Gigabit Ethernet DJ specifications. These laser drivers provide extensive safety features to guarantee single-point fault tolerance. Safety features include dual enable inputs, dual shutdown circuits, a...
The MAX3286, MAX3289, MAX3296 and MAX3299 are high‑speed laser driver ICs for fiber‑optic LAN transmitters, optimized for Gigabit Ethernet. They integrate a bias generator, laser modulator, automatic power control and safety circuits, and support 1.25 Gbps (MAX3286 series) or 2.5 Gbps (MAX3296 series) data rates.
The devices are offered in compact QFN, thin‑QFN, TQFP and TSSOP‑EP packages, with selectable laser pinning (common‑cathode or common‑anode) and a range of safety features such as dual enable inputs, shutdown circuits and a programmable power‑on reset.
| Supply Voltage Range | -0.5 V to +7.0 V |
|---|---|
| Operating Supply Voltage (typical) | 3.0 V to 5.5 V |
| Data Rate (MAX3286 series) | 1.25 Gbps |
| Data Rate (MAX3296 series) | 2.5 Gbps |
| Laser Modulation Current | 30 mA |
| Deterministic Jitter (MAX3286) | 22 ps |
| Deterministic Jitter (MAX3296) | 7 ps |
| Operating Temperature Range (die) | 0 °C to +110 °C |
The absolute maximum supply voltage is –0.5 V to +7.0 V, while normal operation uses 3.0 V to 5.5 V.
Each device can switch up to 30 mA of laser modulation current at the specified data rate.