Analog Devices Inc. HMC7810ALC3TR

Overview

HMC7810ALC3TR from Analog Devices is a broadband differential optical modulator driver IC with integrated analog attenuator and output peak detector, supporting up to 32.0 Gbps NRZ data rates, 28 GHz bandwidth, and 4.4 V_p-p differential output swing. It drives InP Mach-Zehnder or silicon photonics modulators in high-speed data center interconnects.

For engineers reviewing the HMC7810ALC3TR datasheet, HMC7810ALC3TR pinout, HMC7810ALC3TR application, or HMC7810ALC3TR equivalent, key selection criteria include gain adjustability via VCTL (−1.5 V to 0 V), self-biased operation without power sequencing, low additive jitter (350 fs RMS at 2.5 V supplies), and compatibility with compact SMT bias tees for pluggable optical modules.

Technical Context

The HMC7810ALC3TR implements a self-biased, fully differential linear amplifier architecture optimized for driving high-impedance electro-optic modulators. Its internal attenuator enables precise gain control across 1 MHz–28 GHz while maintaining ±1 dB gain flatness from 1 MHz to 20 GHz.

It integrates a linear peak detector (VDET/VREF) that outputs voltage proportional to differential output swing, enabling closed-loop automatic gain control (AGC). Dual external supply rails-VDD = 3.3 V and VDD_EXTP/VDD_EXTN = 2.5 V or 3.3 V-allow trade-offs between jitter performance (2.5 V) and output swing (3.3 V).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

16-terminal, 2.9 mm × 2.9 mm leadless ceramic chip carrier (LCC) package (E-16-1) with exposed thermal pad requiring connection to GND. Package supports reflow per JEDEC Level 3 moisture sensitivity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar optical modulator driver applications.

Compared with HMC7810LC3TR and HMC1090LP5E, the HMC7810ALC3TR uniquely combines extended temperature capability (+130°C junction), integrated peak detection for autonomous AGC, and compact 2.9 mm LCC packaging-making it the only option qualified for production CFP2/CFP4 modules requiring zero-layout redesign and full thermal derating.

Availability

HMC7810ALC3TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 400G data center interconnects, 100G metro pluggable modules, and broadband test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for HMC7810ALC3TR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF technologies, headquartered in Norwood, MA, with design centers worldwide and ISO 9001-certified manufacturing.

The HMC7810ALC3TR belongs to Analog Devices' Hittite Microwave RFIC product line, engineered specifically for high-speed optical communication infrastructure-including CFP, CFP2, and QSFP-DD pluggable transceivers-where linearity, jitter, and thermal robustness are non-negotiable.

FAQ

What is the maximum data rate supported by the HMC7810ALC3TR?

The HMC7810ALC3TR supports a maximum data rate of 32.0 Gbps using nonreturn-to-zero (NRZ) encoding with a pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS31). This specification is verified under typical conditions at 25°C with 600 mV_p-p differential input and VCTL = −1.5 V, making the HMC7810ALC3TR suitable for 400G 16-QAM and 100G DP-QPSK optical module designs.

Does the HMC7810ALC3TR require external power supply sequencing?

No, the HMC7810ALC3TR is self-biased and does not require power supply sequencing. It operates reliably with simultaneous application of VDD = 3.3 V and VDD_EXTP/VDD_EXTN = 2.5 V or 3.3 V. This eliminates startup timing constraints and simplifies power management in pluggable optical modules, a key advantage confirmed in the HMC7810ALC3TR datasheet Rev. A, Page 1.

How is gain adjusted on the HMC7810ALC3TR?

Gain on the HMC7810ALC3TR is adjusted via the VCTL pin, which accepts an analog control voltage from −1.5 V to 0 V. At VCTL = −1.5 V, differential-to-differential gain is maximized at 18 dB; at VCTL = 0 V, gain drops to 4 dB. This 6 dB range is confirmed in Table 1 of the HMC7810ALC3TR datasheet and enables real-time linearity optimization without changing external components.

What is the function of the VDET and VREF pins on the HMC7810ALC3TR?

VDET and VREF form the output pair of the integrated peak detector. Their voltage difference (V_PEAK = VDET − VREF) is linearly proportional to the differential output swing, enabling direct readback and closed-loop automatic gain control. As shown in Figure 12 and 13 of the HMC7810ALC3TR datasheet, this feature eliminates need for external RF detectors in production optical modules.

What package type and thermal characteristics does the HMC7810ALC3TR use?

The HMC7810ALC3TR uses a 16-terminal, 2.9 mm × 2.9 mm leadless ceramic chip carrier (LCC) package (E-16-1) with an exposed thermal pad. Its thermal resistance is θ_JA = 53°C/W and θ_JC = 51°C/W, validated per JEDEC 2S2P test board. This allows continuous operation at +130°C junction temperature, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of the HMC7810ALC3TR datasheet.