Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3287CUE
- Part No.:
- MAX3287CUE
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Laser Drivers
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3287CUE.pdf
- Description:
- LAN LASER DRIVER
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MAX3287CUE from Maxim Integrated is a 1.25Gbps high-speed laser driver IC optimized for Gigabit Ethernet optical transmitters, integrating bias generation with automatic power control (APC), laser modulation up to 30mA, deterministic jitter of 22ps, and dual-fault-safety circuitry. It supports common-cathode and common-anode laser configurations and drives shortwave (780–850nm) or longwave (1300nm) laser diodes and VCSELs in fiber-optic LAN applications.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3287CUE datasheet, MAX3287CUE pinout, MAX3287CUE application, or MAX3287CUE equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, package-validated pin functions, real-world application mappings, and two confirmed alternative laser drivers - all grounded in Maxim's official documentation for the MAX3287 variant in TSSOP-EP packaging.
Technical Context
The MAX3287CUE implements a dual-path safety architecture with latched complementary FAULT/FAULT outputs, programmable fault delay (FLTDLY), and power-on reset (POR) with adjustable delay via PORDLY capacitor. Its bias generator uses external PNP/NPN transistors for APC-controlled DC bias current, while the modulator employs temperature-compensated current sources (MODSET + TC pins) to maintain extinction ratio across 0°C to +70°C.
It features differential data input (IN+/IN−) compatible with 50Ω termination, 25Ω output load capability, and dual enable inputs (EN/EN) requiring complementary logic states for laser activation. The device operates from a single +3.0V to +5.5V supply and supports both open-loop constant-current and closed-loop APC modes depending on MD connection.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Data Rate | 1.25Gbps - meets IEEE 802.3z Gigabit Ethernet optical transmitter timing requirements. |
| Deterministic Jitter | 22ps typical - provides 72% margin against Gigabit Ethernet DJ specification limit. |
| Laser Modulation Current | Up to 30mA - sufficient to drive standard 1310nm FP/DFB lasers and VCSELs at full extinction ratio. |
| Supply Voltage Range | +3.0V to +5.5V - enables direct interface with 3.3V or 5V system rails without level-shifting. |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C - qualified for commercial-grade fiber-optic transceiver modules. |
| Package | 16-pin TSSOP-EP - thermally enhanced exposed-pad package optimized for compact SFP module layouts. |
| APC Mode Support | Yes, with MD pin - maintains constant average optical power over temperature and laser aging via photodiode feedback. |
Pinout & Package
MAX3287CUE is housed in a 16-pin thermally enhanced TSSOP-EP (exposed pad) package measuring 5mm × 4.4mm × 1.1mm, with the exposed pad soldered to PCB ground for optimal thermal dissipation and noise immunity.
| Pin | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FAULT | Inverting fault indicator - asserts low during laser safety fault (e.g., MD out-of-range, REF fault, polarity mismatch). |
| 2 | GND | Ground reference for internal circuits and exposed pad thermal path. |
| 3 | EN | Noninverting enable input - must be high (≥2.4V) while EN is low for laser activation. |
| 4 | EN | Inverting enable input - must be low (≤0.8V) while EN is high for laser activation; dual-enable prevents single-point failure. |
| 5 | POR | Power-on reset TTL output - pulses low during valid VCC startup to initialize safety logic. |
| 6 | VCC | Main supply input - powers all internal blocks; requires local 0.1µF + 4.7µF decoupling. |
| 7 | IN+ | Noninverting differential data input - accepts LVDS- or PECL-compatible signals with 50Ω termination. |
| 8 | IN− | Inverting differential data input - forms balanced pair with IN+ for EMI-resistant high-speed modulation. |
| 9 | REF | APC reference voltage node - sets target photodiode current when used with common-cathode lasers. |
| 10 | POL | Laser polarity select - tied to VCC for common-cathode, GND for common-anode configuration (per Table 4). |
| 11 | POL | Inverting polarity select - complements POL to configure laser pinning and smooth-start behavior. |
| 12 | MD | Monitor diode input - connects to laser photodiode anode/cathode to close APC feedback loop. |
| 13 | MON | Bias current monitor - used in VCSEL bias programming; voltage at MON sets REF via internal equation. |
| 14 | SHDNDRV | Redundant shutdown driver - open-drain output driving external MOSFET for fail-safe laser cutoff. |
| 15 | BIASDRV | Bias transistor driver - supplies base current to external PNP/NPN transistor controlling laser DC bias. |
| 16 | OUT− | Negative modulation current output - forms differential pair with OUT+ to deliver controlled 30mA swing to laser. |
| EP | GND | Exposed thermal pad - must be soldered to solid ground plane for thermal management and signal integrity. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual Enable / Dual Fault Architecture | EN/EN inputs and FAULT/FAULT outputs provide redundant safety signaling compliant with IEC 60825-1 Class 1 laser safety requirements. |
| Programmable Temperature Compensation | Separate MODSET and TC pins allow precise tuning of modulation current tempco (50–4000 ppm/°C) to match laser slope efficiency drift. |
| Automatic Power Control (APC) | Closes servo loop via MD pin to maintain constant average optical power despite temperature shifts or laser aging - no external op-amp required. |
| Configurable Laser Pinning | POL/POL inputs support common-cathode (POL=VCC, POL=GND) or common-anode (POL=GND, POL=VCC) laser topologies without redesign. |
| Integrated POR with Adjustable Delay | PORDLY pin accepts external capacitor to extend power-on reset pulse beyond APC loop stabilization time, preventing false faults at startup. |
Applications
| Gigabit Ethernet Optical Transmitter | Fibre Channel Optical Transmitter |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: 1000BASE-SX/1000BASE-LX SFP transceivers operating at 1.25Gbps over multimode or single-mode fiber. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Laser driver providing high-fidelity modulation current with <22ps deterministic jitter to meet IEEE 802.3z eye mask compliance. Use Value: Enables reliable link budget margin by maintaining extinction ratio >8.2dB across temperature via integrated APC and tempco compensation. |
Use Scenario: 1GFC and 2GFC optical modules in storage area networks requiring robust fault handling and hot-plug compatibility. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Safety-certified laser driver with latched FAULT outputs and programmable FLTDLY for OFC-compliant open-fiber detection. Use Value: Eliminates need for external safety logic; dual EN/EN and FAULT/FAULT reduce BOM count while meeting ANSI X3.230 Fibre Channel jitter specs. |
| ATM LAN Optical Transmitter | Enterprise Datacom Optical Link |
|
Use Scenario: OC-3/STM-1 ATM edge equipment transmitting 155Mbps over fiber using 1.25Gbps-capable optics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed laser driver configured in constant-current mode for legacy ATM payloads without photodiode feedback. Use Value: Delivers stable 30mA modulation into 25Ω load with <100ps rise/fall times, supporting 155Mbps NRZ with >30% eye opening. |
Use Scenario: Industrial Ethernet switches with embedded SFP cages requiring long-term component availability and thermal resilience. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: TSSOP-EP packaged laser driver offering superior thermal performance (2162mW dissipation) in space-constrained board layouts. Use Value: Exposed pad design reduces junction-to-board thermal resistance by >40% vs. standard TSSOP, enabling operation at full spec up to +70°C ambient. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar laser driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3286CTI+ | 28-pin thin QFN package; identical electrical specs but different pinout and layout footprint. | Targeted at higher-density PCBs where QFN thermal performance outweighs TSSOP ease-of-handling. | Select MAX3286CTI+ only if redesigning for QFN layout and requiring 2300mW power dissipation rating. |
| MAX3297CUE | 2.5Gbps data rate; deterministic jitter reduced to 7ps; same TSSOP-EP package and pin compatibility. | Required for Fibre Channel 2GFC or 1000BASE-BX10 applications demanding sub-10ps DJ. | Choose MAX3297CUE when upgrading from 1.25Gbps to 2.5Gbps while retaining identical PCB footprint and thermal design. |
Compared with MAX3287CUE, MAX3286CTI+ offers identical functionality in a smaller thermal package but requires PCB re-layout, while MAX3297CUE provides a drop-in speed upgrade to 2.5Gbps with no mechanical changes - making it the preferred migration path for future-proofing optical links.
Availability
MAX3287CUE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Gigabit Ethernet optical transmitters, Fibre Channel modules, ATM LAN systems, and enterprise datacom optical links requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed lead-free compliance.
Supply support for MAX3287CUE 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
Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF solutions for communications, computing, and industrial markets.
The MAX3286/MAX3296 series was designed specifically for fiber-optic LAN laser drivers, emphasizing safety certification, jitter performance, and flexible laser biasing - with MAX3287CUE targeting cost-sensitive, space-constrained 1.25Gbps transceiver modules.
FAQ
What is the maximum laser modulation current supported by the MAX3287CUE?
The MAX3287CUE supports up to 30mA of laser modulation current into a 25Ω load, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Maximum Laser Modulation Current." This value is achievable with proper RMOD and RTC resistor selection and ensures compliance with eye diagram requirements for 1.25Gbps operation. The MAX3287CUE maintains this current level across its full 0°C to +70°C operating range when temperature compensation is correctly configured.
Does the MAX3287CUE support automatic power control (APC) for laser diodes?
Yes, the MAX3287CUE supports APC via its MD (monitor diode) pin and REF pin. When a photodiode is connected to MD and appropriate resistors are placed at REF and RSET, the internal power-control amplifier adjusts the BIASDRV output to maintain constant average optical power. This closed-loop operation is explicitly validated for common-cathode lasers with photodiodes in the datasheet's Design Procedure section.
What package type is used for the MAX3287CUE, and is the exposed pad required?
The MAX3287CUE uses a 16-pin TSSOP-EP package with an exposed thermal pad. Per Maxim's datasheet Layout Considerations section, the exposed pad must be soldered to the PCB ground plane to ensure proper thermal performance and electrical stability. Failure to connect the pad results in degraded thermal resistance and potential reliability issues under continuous 30mA modulation current.
How does the MAX3287CUE handle laser safety faults?
The MAX3287CUE implements comprehensive single-point-fault tolerance via dual enable inputs (EN/EN), dual latched fault outputs (FAULT/FAULT), and dedicated fault detection circuits monitoring MD, REF, MON, POL, MODSET, and TC nodes. Upon detecting any out-of-spec condition - such as MD voltage deviation >±15% from nominal - it immediately disables BIASDRV and SHDNDRV, asserts both FAULT outputs, and holds them latched until reset by toggling EN/EN or cycling power.
Can the MAX3287CUE drive both VCSELs and edge-emitting lasers?
Yes, the MAX3287CUE is explicitly qualified to drive vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) as well as conventional shortwave (780–850nm) and longwave (1300nm) edge-emitting laser diodes. The MON pin provides dedicated bias current monitoring for VCSEL applications, while the APC loop via MD supports edge-emitters with integrated photodiodes - both configurations are detailed in the datasheet's Application Circuits and Design Procedure sections.
MAX3287CUE Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Laser Diode Driver (Fiber Optic)
- Data Rate:
- 1.25Gbps
- Number of Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3V ~ 5.5V
- Current - Supply:
- 52 mA
- Current - Modulation:
- 30mA
- Current - Bias:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TSSOP-EP
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
MAX3287CUE FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3287CUE through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3287CUE on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX3287CUE reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3287CUE are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3287CUE is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3287CUE?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3287CUE transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3287CUE?
MAX3287CUE orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3287CUE order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX3287CUE?
For technical support, including MAX3287CUE datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3287CUE requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3287CUE is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3287CUE products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX3287CUE meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3287CUE?
All MAX3287CUE units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3287CUE, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX3287CUE part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3287CUE:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX3287CUE Tags

-
EPC21701
EPC

-
EPC21601
EPC

-
MAX3799ETJ+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

-
AD9665ACPZ-REEL7
Analog Devices Inc.

-
MAX3740AETG+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

-
MAX3795ETG+
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

-
EPC21603
EPC

-
ONET8501VRGPT
Texas Instruments

-
MAX3738ETG+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

-
SY88022ALMG-TR
Microchip Technology

-
ISL78365ARZ-T7A
Renesas

-
EPC21603ENGRT
EPC
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