
5
www.semtech.com
HIGH-PER.ORMANCE PRODUCTS
Revision 1/January 9, 2002
AN1003
Some design applications require the ECL or PECL
signals to be AC coupled due to nonstandard ECL sig-
nal levels coming from a source. In addition, capaci-
tive coupling is a preferred way of interfacing either a
signal from a 3.3V system to a 5.0V device or even
interfacing ECL signals with PECL devices. Examples
below show some of the suggested solutions for the
AC coupled ECL or PECL type signals. When the desti-
nation device does not provide a VBB output pin for
proper biasing when its inputs are AC coupled, the fol-
lowing scheme shown in figure 6 can be used.
Capacitive Coupling Method
Values of R1 and R2 are determined based on the
supply voltage range.
RPulldown =150 for VCC = 3.0V and 270 for
VCC = 5.0V
R1 = 68.5
for VCC = 5.0V and 85
for VCC = 3.3V
R2 = 185
for VCC = 5.0V and 122 for VCC =
3.3V
When the destination device does provide a VBB out-
put for proper biasing of its inputs in capacitive cou-
pling mode, the solution in figure 7 should be used for
proper signal interface.
Figure 6
Typical ECL/PECL Device
Transmission Line
Zo
C = 0.1
F
VCC
R2
R1
VEE
C = 0.1
F
R
Pulldown
Figure 7
Typical ECL/PECL Device
Transmission Line
Zo
C = 0.1
F
R
=
50
VBB
C = 0.1
F
R
Pulldown
R
=
50
C = 0.1
F
VCC