3.3 V 20-channel 500 Mb/s/ch optical receiver with integrated optical detectors in 1.2 mm GaAs

Abstract

System area networks (SAN) for clustered computer system architecture allow flexible growth with lower cost. SANs require high-interconnect bandwidth and long interframe distances and smaller cable bulk. Copper wire technology shows limitations in signal integrity, cost, and size. For optical interconnects to displace copper, low-cost technology is critical. Optical fiber links using large core multimode step index fiber and plastic leadframe packaging are cost-competitive with copper but present a unique set of challenges for the supporting circuits. The 3.3 V 20-channel optical receiver is used for low cost optical link. The 20-channel 500 Mb/s/channel optical receiver with integrated MSM-PD in a 1.2 μm E/D GaAs MESFET consumes 2.3 W with 3.3 V supply.