High Sensitivity Transimpedance Amplifier to Boost FTTx GPON Deployments

(Product News, 13 Apr 2009)

Phyworks has launched a high sensitivity transimpedance amplifier that enables lower cost PIN photodiodes in the receive path of customer premises GPON applications to replace costly avalanche photodiodes (APDs). The reduction in component cost combined with elimination of the high voltage bias circuitry and lower yields associated with APDs is expected to help increase FTTx GPON deployment.

With an intrinsic input referred noise level of just 85nA, the PHY1096 transimpedance amplifier offers the world’s lowest noise performance at 2.5Gbps and has been designed to meet GPON Class B+ requirements with sensitivity better than -30dBm when using a PIN photodiode.

The PHY1096 is based on a pure CMOS process that operates from a 3.3V power supply. It integrates a 34kΩ transimpedance low noise front-end amplifier, automatic gain control and a highly stable output stage.

An output is also provided which can be used to implement a signal strength monitor circuit. For ease of interfacing, this is designed to sink or source a current equal to the PIN photodiode current. The PHY1096 is available in die form for mounting on a header to create a ROSA when combined with optics and photodiode. Operating temperature range is –40ºC to +85ºC.