
M
3.2Gbps SFP VCSEL Driver with Diagnostic
Monitors
______________________________________________________________________________________
13
Applications Information
Interface Models
Figures 4 and 5 show simplified input and output cir-
cuits for the MAX3740 laser driver.
Layout Considerations
To minimize inductance, keep the connections between
the MAX3740 output pins and laser diode as short as
possible. Use good high-frequency layout techniques
and multilayer boards with uninterrupted ground planes
to minimize EMI and crosstalk.
Designing the Compensation Filter
Network
Laser package inductance causes the laser imped-
ance to increase at high frequencies, leading to ring-
ing, overshoot, and degradation of the laser output. A
laser compensation filter network can be used to
reduce the laser impedance at high frequencies, there-
by reducing output ringing and overshoot.
The compensation components (R
F
and C
F
) are most
easily determined by experimentation. Begin with R
F
=
50
and C
F
= 1pF. Increase C
F
until the desired trans-
mitter response is obtained (Figure 6). Refer to
Application Note HFAN-2-0:
Interfacing Maxim Laser
Drives with Laser Diodes
for more information.
Exposed-Pad (EP) Package
The exposed pad on the 24-pin thin QFN provides a
very low thermal resistance path for heat removal from
the IC. The pad is also electrical ground on the
MAX3740 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
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
determines standards for hazardous light emissions
from fiber optic transmitters. IEC 825 defines the maxi-
mum light output for various hazard levels. The
MAX3740 provides features that facilitate compliance
with IEC 825. A common safety precaution is single-
point fault tolerance, whereby one unplanned short,
open, or resistive connection does not cause excess
light output. Using this laser driver alone does not
ensure that a transmitter design is compliant with IEC
825. The entire transmitter circuit and component
selections must be considered. Customers must deter-
mine the level of fault tolerance required by their appli-
cations, recognizing that Maxim products are not
designed or authorized for use as components in sys-
tems intended for surgical implant into the body, for
applications intended to support or sustain life, or for
any other application where the failure of a Maxim
product could create a situation where personal injury
or death may occur.
ESD Protection
The FAULT pin of the MAX3740 does not include ESD
protection. If this pin is connected to the DS1858, pro-
tection is not needed. Protection can be provided with
external diodes as shown in Figure 7.
TIME
P
UNCOMPENSATED
CORRECTLY COMPENSATED
OVERCOMPENSATED
Figure 6. Laser Compensation
MAX3740
PHILLIPS
BAV99
V
CC
FAULT
Figure 7. External Diode Protection