
Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.
4
___________________Maxim Integrated Produc ts, 120 S an Gabriel Drive, S unnyvale, CA  94086 (408) 737-7600
 1994 Maxim Integrated Products 
Printed USA
is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products.
M
1GHz Transimpedanc e Preamplifier 
with 25dB Dynamic  Range
_______________________Wire Bonding
For high current density and reliable operation, the
MAX3260 uses gold metallization. Connections to the
die should be made with gold wire only, using ball
bonding techniques. Wegde bonding is not recom-
mended. Die pad size is 4 mils.
__________________Design Proc edure
The MAX3260 is a high-speed, high-gain component.
Its performance is strongly affected by module design
and layout. Improper design techniques can cause
oscillations or ringing.  
In fiber-optic receiver applications, it is highly recom-
mended that the transimpedance preamplifier be
placed close to the photodetector, in the same pack-
age or header if possible. This reduces parasitic induc-
tance and improves static-discharge protection during
manufacturing. An alternative layout is to assemble the
preamplifier on a hybrid circuit board. In either case,
the designer should ensure that power-supply runs to
the V
CC
A and V
CC
B inputs are properly filtered. Keep
ground connections to the MAX3260 short and mini-
mize inductance. Multiple vias may be required when
connecting to the ground plane on a circuit board, to
reduce the ground inductance. 
The MAX3260 will typically be connected to a limiting
or post amplifier by means of a controlled-impedance
transmission line. If a transmission line is used, it is
important to end-terminate the line with the characteris-
tic impedance to prevent reflections into the output of
the MAX3260.   
__________Applic ations Information
The MAX3260 consumes approximately 23mA of cur-
rent with no output load. Typically, the majority of power
used by the preamplifier is consumed in the output ter-
mination. The termination is needed at the end of the
transmission line connecting MAX3260 to a limiting
amplifer. The average output level is typically 1.6V, and
is maintained at that level by the DC-restore function. A
50
 termination to ground will consume 32mA of stand-
ing current. Power consumption can be reduced by ter-
minating to higher resistance. A 75
 transmission line
and termination would consume only 22mA. Power con-
sumption can be reduced dramatically by excluding
the transmission line and termination, which requires
very short distances between the MAX3260 and the fol-
lowing circuit.
DC RESTORE
CIRCUIT
V
OUT
V
CC
B
V
CC
A
FILTER
I
IN
1.6V
2.5k
4k
1k
COMPARATOR
V
CC
A
V
CC
A
MAX3260
Figure 1.  Functional Diagram