Mitsubishi Debuts Modulator Driver

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- The Electronic Device Group of Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc., today announced the new ML0xx18 family of Electroabsorption (EA) Modulator Driver ICs for 10-gigabit-per-second (10-Gbps) transponders, transceivers, and other modules designed to conform to all types of multi-source agreements. The new family offers world-class sensitivity, requiring an input of only 0.1 volt (V) to generate the 3.0V output necessary to drive an EA modulator. It also enables designers to use a highly integrated CMOS-based IC in the module's previous stage, reducing the size, power consumption, and manufacturing cost of 10-Gbps optical modules and transmission systems. "As 10-Gbps data and telecommunications networks gain more widespread adoption, customers are faced with greater pressure to cut module costs wherever possible without compromising system performance," said Daniel Chen, assistant vice president of optoelectronic and high-frequency products for Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc. "Using CMOS-based components enables optical module manufacturers to integrate many formerly separate components into one IC, greatly reducing module size, power consumption, and costs. However, when operating at high speeds, CMOS-based ICs generate an insufficient output signal to adequately drive a previous-generation EA modulator driver IC. Our EA Modulator Driver ICs bridge this gap by providing exceptional input sensitivity along with high output performance, stability, and reliability." Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA Inc.