MAX3735/MAX3735A
Capacitors Used with MAX3735/MAX3735A SFP Module
Designs for more information on choosing CAPC for DC-
and AC-coupled laser interfaces.
MAX3735
Use the following equation to find the CAPC value when
using the MAX3735:
CAPC = 4.04 ×10-9 ×t_on ×η×ρMON (29.3 + 20.6 ITH -
0.22 ITH2) ×(1947 + 833 IMOD - 7.78 IMOD2+ 0.103
IMOD3)
where units are:
CAPC in µF, ITH, and IMOD in mA and tON in µs. CMD can
then be chosen as approximately 20x smaller than CAPC
for the MAX3735.
MAX3735A
Use Table 4 to choose CAPC when using the MAX3735A.
CAPC should be chosen according to the highest gain of
the lasers (generally at cold temperature). CAPC selec-
tion assumes a 34% reduction in the gain of the lasers at
+85°C from the cold (-40°C) values.
Table 4. MAX3735A CAPC Selection
where Gain = IMD/(IBIAS - ITH + 0.5 x IMOD) for DC-cou-
pled lasers. CMD can then be chosen as approximately
4x to 20x smaller than CAPC for the MAX3735A
Using the MAX3735/MAX3735A
with Digital Potentiometers
For more information on using the MAX3735/MAX3735A
with the Dallas DS1858/DS1859 SFP controller, refer to
Maxim Application Note HFAN 2.3.3: Optimizing the
Resolution of Laser Driver Setting Using Linear Digital
Potentiometers for more information.
Modulation Currents Exceeding 60mA
For applications requiring a modulation current greater
than 60mA, headroom is insufficient for proper opera-
tion of the laser driver if the laser is DC-coupled. To
avoid this problem, the MAX3735/MAX3735A’s modula-
tion output can be AC-coupled to the cathode of a laser
diode. An external pullup inductor is necessary to DC-
bias the modulation output at VCC. Such a configuration
isolates laser forward voltage from the output circuitry
and allows the output at OUT+ to swing above and
below the supply voltage (VCC). When AC-coupled, the
MAX3735/MAX3735A modulation current can be pro-
grammed from 10mA to 85mA. Refer to Maxim
Application Note HFAN 02.0: Interfacing Maxim’s Laser
Drivers to Laser Diodes for more information on AC-
coupling laser drivers to laser diodes.
Interface Models
Figures 6 and 7 show simplified input and output cir-
cuits for the MAX3735/MAX3735A laser driver. If dice
are used, replace package parasitic elements with
bondwire parasitic elements.
Wire Bonding Die
The MAX3735 uses gold metalization with a thickness of
5µm (typ). Maxim characterized this circuit with gold wire
ball bonding (1-mil diameter wire). Die-pad size is 94 mil
(2388µm) square, and die thickness is 15 mil (381µm).
Refer to Maxim Application Note HFAN-08.0.1:
Understanding Bonding Coordinates and Physical Die
Size for additional information.
Layout Considerations
To minimize inductance, keep the connections between
the MAX3735 output pins and laser diode as close as
possible. Optimize the laser diode performance by
placing a bypass capacitor as close as possible to the
laser anode. Use good high-frequency layout tech-
niques and multiple-layer boards with uninterrupted
ground planes to minimize EMI and crosstalk.
Exposed-Pad Package
The exposed pad on the 24-pin QFN provides a very
low thermal resistance path for heat removal from the IC.
The pad is also electrical ground on the MAX3735/
MAX3735A and must be soldered to the circuit board
ground for proper thermal and electrical performance.
Refer to Maxim Application Note HFAN-08.1: Thermal
Considerations for QFN and Other Exposed-Pad
Packages for additional information.
Laser Safety and IEC 825
Using the MAX3735/MAX3735A laser driver alone does
not ensure that a transmitter design is compliant with IEC
825. The entire transmitter circuit and component selec-
tions must be considered. Each user must determine the
level of fault tolerance required by the application, recog-
nizing that Maxim products are neither designed nor
authorized for use as components in systems intended
for surgical implant into the body, for applications intend-
ed to support or sustain life, or for any other application
in which the failure of a Maxim product could create a
situation where personal injury or death may occur.
2.7Gbps, Low-Power SFP Laser Drivers
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