New High Performance Transimpedance Amplifier From Philips Semiconductors Integrates Capacitor Function and Allows Longer Spans

Business Wire, April 8, 1996

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 8, 1996--A new transimpedance amplifier from Philips Semiconductors offers a new design at half the price from the competition for longer cable spans in synchronous optical network (SONET), asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), fiber channel, and other high bandwidth point-to-point applications.

Design of fiber transceiver modules is simplified and costs are reduced as no external components are required since the SA5223 is the first automatic gain control (AGC) amplifier on the market to incorporate an internal loop hold capacitor.

"As fiber optic-based high speed networks become more widespread, the need increases for compact high performance fiber network components," said Fred Kamp, datacom product marketing manager for Philips Semiconductors.

"By integrating additional functions into the amplifier, we reduce the total number of components needed in the fiber transceiver module. This allows for greater flexibility in both design and production."

The Internal AGC loop enables the SA5223 to effortlessly handle bursty data over a wide range of nA to mA of input signal current. The AGC function eliminates pulse width distortion for high signal levels, ensuring that the signal supplied to the post amplifier is clean and undistorted. This reduces the spectral noise level to a very low 1.17pa/sqrtHz, allowing longer cable spans to be used.

The amplifier's bit error rate of lower than 1x10-10 and input current range of 0.5 microAmp to 2 mAmp exceed SONET specifications. The wide dynamic range increases flexibility and usability for a wide variety of applications utilizing opto detectors with different output characteristics. The amplifier's typical operating frequency of 165Mhz is particularly suited for 155 Mbit/s OC-3 rate SONET/SDH and 266 Mbit/s fiber channel operations.

The SA5223 amplifier recovers data without overshoot errors up to approximately 10dB of gain change. The amplifier's ability to maintain a correct output in the presence of non 50 percent duty cycle data is unique for integrated transimpedance amplifiers. With a wide industrial temperature range of minus 40 to 85C, the amplifier performs even in extreme environments.

This amplifier is configured in an eight-pin small outline dip package or bare die in waffle pack for hybrid module applications.

Pricing is US$9.66 per unit for 100 to 9,999 units; and US $6.30 per unit for orders of 10,000 units or more. The SA5223 is available immediately from stock.

For pricing and availability outside the United States, contact your local Philips Semiconductors sales office or authorized Philips distributor. Demo boards and an application note may be obtained by contacting Fred Kamp at 408/991-4593.

Philips Semiconductors, a subsidiary of Philips Electronics North America Corp. and an affiliate of Philips Electronics NV, headquartered in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, is the eleventh largest semiconductor supplier in the world.

Philips Semiconductors' innovations in digital audio, video and mobile technology position the company as a leader in the consumer, multimedia and digital communications markets. Sales offices are located in all major markets around the world and are supported by regional customer application labs.

Additional information on Philips Semiconductors can be obtained by accessing their home page at http://www.semiconductors. philips.com/ps/.

CONTACT: Philips Semiconductors

Peter Brown, 408/991-3626

or

Oak Ridge Public Relations Inc.

Frankie Borison or Kathy Keenan, 408/253-5042