Broadband Circuits for Optical Fiber Communication

An expert guide to the new and emerging field of broadband circuits for optical fiber communication

This exciting publication makes it easy for readers to enter into and deepen their knowledge of the new and emerging field of broadband circuits for optical fiber communication. The author's selection and organization of material have been developed, tested, and refined from his many industry courses and seminars. Five types of broadband circuits are discussed in detail:
* Transimpedance amplifiers
* Limiting amplifiers
* Automatic gain control (AGC) amplifiers
* Lasers drivers
* Modulator drivers

Essential background on optical fiber, photodetectors, lasers, modulators, and receiver theory is presented to help readers understand the system environment in which these broadband circuits operate. For each circuit type, the main specifications and their impact on system performance are explained and illustrated with numerical values. Next, the circuit concepts are discussed and illustrated with practical implementations. A broad range of circuits in MESFET, HFET, BJT, HBT, BiCMOS, and CMOS technologies is covered. Emphasis is on circuits for digital, continuous-mode transmission in the 2.5 to 40 Gb/s range, typically used in SONET, SDH, and Gigabit Ethernet applications. Burst-mode circuits for passive optical networks (PON) and analog circuits for hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) cable-TV applications also are discussed.

Learning aids are provided throughout the text to help readers grasp and apply difficult concepts and techniques, including:
* Chapter summaries that highlight the key points
* Problem-and-answer sections to help readers apply their new knowledge
* Research directions that point to exciting new technological breakthroughs on the horizon
* Product examples that show the performance of actual broadband circuits
* Appendices that cover eye diagrams, differential circuits, S parameters, transistors, and technologies
* A bibliography that leads readers to more complete and in-depth treatment of specialized topics

This is a superior learning tool for upper-level undergraduates and graduate-level students in circuit design and optical fiber communication. Unlike other texts that concentrate on analog circuits in general or mostly on optics, this text provides balanced coverage of electronic, optic, and system issues. Professionals in the fiber optic industry will find it an excellent reference, incorporating the latest technology and discoveries in the industry.

Preface vii

1 Introduction 1

2 Optical Fiber 11

3 Photodetectors 25

4 Receiver Fundamentals 45

5 Transimpedance Amplifiers 105

6 Main Amplifiers 159

7 Optical Transmitters 233

8 Laser and Modulator Drivers 259

Appendix A Eye Diagrams 313

Appendix B Differential Circuits 321

Appendix C S Parameters 329

Appendix D Transistors and Technologies MOSFET and MESFET 343

Appendix E Answers to the Problems 359

Appendix F Notation 385

Appendix G Symbols 387

Appendix H Acronyms 399

References 407

Index 425

"The book, with its details and practical information, will certainly help advance optical fiber communication…a welcome reference book…" (IEEE Circuits & Devices, May/June 2006) EDUARD SÄCKINGER, PhD, is Principal Engineer for Mixed Signal Designs at Conexant Systems. For more than ten years, Dr. Säckinger worked at Bell Laboratories (AT&T and Lucent Technologies) in Holmdel, New Jersey, on integrated circuit research. He then joined Agere Systems where he was a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff developing broadband circuits for optical fiber communication. He has conducted seminars on broadband circuits for optical fiber communication at Agere Systems, Lucent Technologies, MEAD Microelectronics, and the VLSI Symposium. He also serves as an Associate Editor for the IEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits. An expert guide to the new and emerging field of broadband circuits for optical fiber communication

This exciting publication makes it easy for readers to enter into and deepen their knowledge of the new and emerging field of broadband circuits for optical fiber communication. The author's selection and organization of material have been developed, tested, and refined from his many industry courses and seminars. Five types of broadband circuits are discussed in detail:

• Transimpedance amplifiers
• Limiting amplifiers
• Automatic gain control (AGC) amplifiers
• Lasers drivers
• Modulator drivers

Essential background on optical fiber, photodetectors, lasers, modulators, and receiver theory is presented to help readers understand the system environment in which these broadband circuits operate. For each circuit type, the main specifications and their impact on system performance are explained and illustrated with numerical values. Next, the circuit concepts are discussed and illustrated with practical implementations. A broad range of circuits in MESFET, HFET, BJT, HBT, BiCMOS, and CMOS technologies is covered. Emphasis is on circuits for digital, continuous-mode transmission in the 2.5 to 40 Gb/s range, typically used in SONET, SDH, and Gigabit Ethernet applications. Burst-mode circuits for passive optical networks (PON) and analog circuits for hybrid fiber-coax (HFC) cable-TV applications also are discussed.

Learning aids are provided throughout the text to help readers grasp and apply difficult concepts and techniques, including:

• Chapter summaries that highlight the key points
• Problem-and-answer sections to help readers apply their new knowledge
• Research directions that point to exciting new technological breakthroughs on the horizon
• Product examples that show the performance of actual broadband circuits
• Appendices that cover eye diagrams, differential circuits, S parameters, transistors, and technologies
• A bibliography that leads readers to more complete and in-depth treatment of specialized topics

This is a superior learning tool for upper-level undergraduates and graduate-level students in circuit design and optical fiber communication. Unlike other texts that concentrate on analog circuits in general or mostly on optics, this text provides balanced coverage of electronic, optic, and system issues. Professionals in the fiber optic industry will find it an excellent reference, incorporating the latest technology and discoveries in the industry.