Semtech announces availability of leading 40G modulator drivers for long-haul apps

CAMARILLO, USA: Semtech Corp., a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, announced the availability of its new SMI2030, a 40G DQPSK modulator laser driver designed for use in telecommunications equipment supporting long-haul optical links.

The performance of the SMI2030 combined with Semtech’s current market-leading 40G DQPSK optical multiplexers delivers a tuned, interoperable solution. This is the first in a line of modulator drivers from Semtech that will include solutions for the 100Gbps long-haul market, as well as the first 400Gbps-capable silicon platforms.

“The SMI2030 enables Semtech to offer a complete transmit solution, including both modulator drivers and matched multiplexers, with significant performance and cost advantages for our customer base,” said Sameer Vuyyuru, Vice President and General Manager for Semtech’s Transport and Data Communication Group.

“Modulator drivers are a key component to ensure link performance and quality in today’s rapidly growing long-haul telecom market. With the ability to accurately control the output of the modulator drivers with our multiplexers, we offer perfectly tuned chipsets for the longest reach and bandwidth utilization. We are looking forward to bringing our technology and expertise to the forefront of this market.”

The SMI2030 is a small, single-channel, three-stage, 28Gbps lithium niobate optical modulator driver that delivers low jitter, 7.5V amplitude, and excellent gain and group delay flatness. The device comes in an ultra-small, surface mount technology (SMT) package ideally suited for integration in small form-factor (SFF) transponders and has high gain and power for driving either 40G electro absorption or lithium niobate modulators.