GigOptix announces new generation of silicon germanium linear transimpedance amplifier for 40G optical telecom networks

SAN JOSE, USA: GigOptix Inc. announced the availability for sampling of its new generation GX3122B dual channel linear Transimpedance Amplifier (TIA) designed for use in 40Gb/s DWDM coherent optical receivers.

The GX3122B, leveraging previous TIA designs by GigOptix, consists of two balanced linear TIAs integrated on a single silicon germanium die. The device amplifies weak signals received from photodiodes to drive the Analog to Digital Converters (ADC) and Digital Signal Processor (DSP) in a coherent optical system. The GX3122B is designed to provide excellent signal fidelity by having low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) over a large dynamic range and being able efficiently handle the high AC and DC currents seen in coherent receivers.

Key features of the GX3122B include:
* Highly integrated solution with dual channel TIAs to reduce system complexity and cost.
* Increased differential gain of 5K Ohm.
* Increased linear gain over 30dB of dynamic range.
* Less than 5 percent THD.
* Automatic or manual gain control options.
* Peak detection function.
* Low power consumption.
* Input power monitor.

"We are very excited to provide an innovative solution for the 40G coherent market which according to Ovum market research is one of fastest growing segments in the 40G and 100G optical networking market," stated Dr. Raluca Dinu, VP and GM of the Optics Product Line at GigOptix. "The increased demand for bandwidth throughout the network driven by the near ubiquitous use of smartphones and the migration of applications from the desktop into the cloud is continuing to force network operators to upgrade their link capacity to handle the increasing traffic. The GX3122B addresses this space uniquely since it was designed in silicon germanium and therefore provides a superior solution in terms of both performance and price. We expect the GX3122B to be a significant contributor to our future growth in the 40G coherent optical market."

According to Ovum’s latest report on 40G and 100G optical components, the 40G coherent optical system are expected to grow with a CAGR of 64 percent until 2016.