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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3736ETE+
- Part No.:
- MAX3736ETE+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Laser Drivers
- Package:
- 16-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3736ETE+.pdf
- Description:
- IC LASER DRVR 3.2GB 3.63V 16TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
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Product details
Overview
The MAX3736ETE+ from Maxim Integrated is a +3.3V, 3.2Gbps SFP/SFF laser driver IC designed to generate programmable bias (1–100mA) and modulation currents (5–60mA DC-coupled, up to 85mA AC-coupled) for FP/DFB laser diodes in fiber-optic transceivers. It features 56ps edge transition times, 22mA typical supply current, and integrated DIS pullup resistor for SFP MSA compliance.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3736ETE+ datasheet, MAX3736ETE+ pinout, MAX3736ETE+ application, or MAX3736ETE+ equivalent, key selection criteria include multirate operation up to 3.2Gbps, DC/AC-coupled modulation flexibility, bias/modulation current programmability via DAC or resistor, and thermal performance in the 3mm × 3mm thin QFN-EP package.
Technical Context
The MAX3736ETE+ integrates three functional blocks: a precision bias current generator with monitor output (BC_MON), a high-speed modulation current generator with gain matching to bias path, and a 100Ω differential input stage compliant with SFP MSA. Its internal 7.4kΩ DIS pullup enables TTL-compatible disable control.
It supports both DC-coupled (for multirate stability) and AC-coupled (for extended 85mA modulation) laser interfaces, with output stage optimized for 15Ω load and minimum 0.6V instantaneous voltage at OUT+. Bias and modulation gains are trimmed to ±4.4% stability over temperature and supply variation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | +2.97V to +3.63V - ensures robust operation across industrial-grade 3.3V rail tolerances |
| Modulation Current Range | 5–60mA (DC-coupled); 5–85mA (AC-coupled) - enables flexible laser drive for OC-3 to OC-48 and 1G/2G Fibre Channel |
| Bias Current Range | 1–100mA - supports wide range of FP/DFB laser threshold and operating points |
| Data Rate Support | Up to 3.2Gbps - meets Gigabit Ethernet, 2G Fibre Channel, and FEC SFP requirements |
| Edge Transition Time | 56ps (typ) - minimizes deterministic jitter and preserves optical eye integrity at 2.488Gbps/3.2Gbps |
| Supply Current | 22mA (typ), 35mA (max) - enables low-power SFP module design with minimal thermal impact |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial and telecom environmental conditions |
| Package | 16-pin thin QFN-EP (3mm × 3mm) - provides low thermal resistance and compact footprint for SFP module PCB real estate |
Pinout & Package
The MAX3736ETE+ is housed in a 16-pin, 3mm × 3mm thin QFN package with exposed pad (EP) soldered to ground for thermal and electrical performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VCC (Pins 1,4,9,12,15) | Power supply input | Multiple VCC pins reduce IR drop and improve high-frequency decoupling for stable 3.3V operation |
| IN+, IN- (Pins 2,3) | Differential data input | 100Ω on-chip termination enables direct CML interface without external resistors |
| BIASSET (Pin 5) | Bias current programming | Accepts current DAC, voltage DAC + resistor, or ground-referenced resistor to set 1–100mA bias |
| MODSET (Pin 6) | Modulation current programming | Same programming options as BIASSET; gain-matched to bias path for stable extinction ratio |
| BC_MON (Pin 7) | Bias current monitor output | Current-source output proportional to BIAS (gain = ~13.7mA/A); used for APC loop feedback |
| BIAS (Pin 8) | Laser cathode bias current output | Drives laser anode/cathode directly; requires low-capacitance layout to minimize parasitic effects |
| OUT+, OUT- (Pins 10,11) | Differential modulation current outputs | High-speed complementary outputs optimized for 15Ω load; support squelch when idle |
| GND (Pins 13,14) | Ground reference | Dual GND pins enhance return path integrity for analog and high-speed digital sections |
| DIS (Pin 16) | Transmitter disable input | TTL-compatible; internal 7.4kΩ pullup enables default-disable behavior per SFP MSA |
| EP | Exposed thermal pad | Must be soldered to PCB ground plane to maintain junction temperature ≤150°C under full load |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| SFP/SFF-8472 compliance | Fully implements MSA-defined electrical interface, including DIS pullup, BC_MON, and power budget constraints |
| DC- and AC-coupled modulation support | Enables single-part reuse across multirate (OC-3/12/48) and high-extinction-ratio applications without redesign |
| Gain-matched bias/modulation paths | ±1% gain matching (GMOD/GBIAS) ensures stable extinction ratio over temperature and supply variation |
| Low-jitter 3.2Gbps operation | 17ps deterministic jitter (3.2Gbps, K28.5) and 0.6ps RMS random jitter meet SFP optical eye mask requirements |
| Integrated bias current monitor | BC_MON output eliminates need for external sense resistor and op-amp in APC feedback loop |
| Thermal-optimized QFN-EP package | Exposed pad reduces θJA to enable 2W dissipation at +85°C ambient - critical for dense SFP module layouts |
Applications
| Gigabit Ethernet SFP Transceivers | 1G/2G Fibre Channel Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 1.25Gbps short-reach optical links in enterprise switches and routers using 850nm VCSEL or 1310nm FP lasers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Laser driver providing precise bias and modulation current control with integrated DIS and BC_MON for SFP hot-plug compliance. Use Value: Enables full SFF-8472 digital diagnostics support and automatic power control without external monitoring circuitry. | Use Scenario: 1.0625Gbps and 2.125Gbps storage area network transceivers with strict extinction ratio and jitter requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-fidelity modulation driver delivering 56ps edge transitions and <1ps RMS jitter to preserve Fibre Channel optical eye opening. Use Value: Meets FC-PI-3 jitter specs while supporting both DC-coupled (multirate) and AC-coupled (high-ER) configurations from one footprint. |
| Multirate OC-3 to OC-48 FEC SFP | 10G Ethernet LX-4 Modules |
Use Scenario: Metro/access equipment requiring single SFP module to support SONET/SDH rates from 155Mbps (OC-3) to 2.488Gbps (OC-48) with forward error correction. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Multirate laser driver with wide 5–85mA modulation range and DC-coupling capability to maintain signal integrity across rate changes. Use Value: Eliminates need for multiple laser drivers in rate-agile platforms; simplifies firmware and hardware design for FEC-enabled optics. | Use Scenario: 10GBASE-LX4 quad-lane 1310nm coarse WDM modules where each lane operates at 3.125Gbps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: One of four identical laser drivers in parallel configuration, each handling one wavelength lane with independent bias/modulation control. Use Value: Identical pinout and performance across all lanes enables scalable, repeatable PCB layout and calibration procedures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar laser driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3738ETE+ | Higher 10.3Gbps data rate support; 100mA max modulation; same 3mm × 3mm QFN package | Targeted at 10G SFP+ and XFP modules; not rated for SFP MSA compliance | Select MAX3738ETE+ only if upgrading to 10Gbps operation; not drop-in compatible due to different AC-coupling requirements and higher power draw |
| LMH6525MA/NOPB | General-purpose 3.2Gbps current-output DAC-based driver; no integrated DIS pullup or BC_MON; SOIC-8 package | Requires external components for SFP functionality; suited for custom non-MSA optical designs | Choose LMH6525MA/NOPB for cost-sensitive, non-standard modules where SFP diagnostics and hot-plug are not required |
Compared with MAX3736ETE+, the MAX3738ETE+ supports higher bandwidth but sacrifices SFP MSA compliance and increases layout complexity, while the LMH6525MA/NOPB lacks integrated monitoring and disable functions-making MAX3736ETE+ the optimal choice for standards-compliant, space-constrained SFP modules requiring full digital diagnostics.
Availability
MAX3736ETE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Gigabit Ethernet SFP transceivers, 2G Fibre Channel modules, and multirate OC-48 FEC SFP applications requiring stable component supply across long-life telecom and industrial deployments.
Supply support for MAX3736ETE+ 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF solutions for communications, computing, and industrial markets.
The MAX3736ETE+ belongs to Maxim's fiber-optic laser driver product line, engineered specifically for compact, low-power, MSA-compliant SFP/SFF transceiver modules operating up to 3.2Gbps.
FAQ
What is the maximum modulation current supported by the MAX3736ETE+ in DC-coupled versus AC-coupled configurations?
The MAX3736ETE+ supports up to 60mA peak-to-peak modulation current in DC-coupled mode, sufficient for most FP/DFB lasers in SFP applications. In AC-coupled mode-with external pullup inductor-it delivers up to 85mA p-p, enabling higher extinction ratios required in 2G Fibre Channel and OC-48 systems. This dual-mode capability is built into the MAX3736ETE+ architecture and does not require external component changes beyond the coupling network.
How does the MAX3736ETE+ implement SFP MSA compliance, particularly regarding the DIS and BC_MON functions?
The MAX3736ETE+ implements SFP MSA compliance through an internal 7.4kΩ pullup resistor on the DIS pin, ensuring default-disable behavior during hot-plug events, and a dedicated BC_MON pin that sources a current proportional to the laser bias current (gain ≈13.7mA/A). These features eliminate the need for external pullup resistors or sense amplifiers, allowing direct integration into SFF-8472-compliant host systems without additional circuitry.
Can the MAX3736ETE+ be used with both FP and DFB laser diodes, and what design considerations apply?
Yes, the MAX3736ETE+ is explicitly qualified for driving both FP and DFB laser diodes, supported by its 1–100mA bias current range and 5–85mA modulation range. For DFB lasers, tighter bias control and lower noise are critical-so use low-ESR decoupling on BIASSET/MODSET and minimize trace capacitance at BIAS. For FP lasers, ensure the RC shunt network at the laser cathode is tuned to suppress parasitic ringing, as specified in MAX3736ETE+ Application Note HFAN-02.0.
What is the significance of gain matching between the bias and modulation paths in the MAX3736ETE+?
The MAX3736ETE+ achieves ±1% matching between modulation current gain (GMOD) and bias current gain (GBIAS) across temperature and supply voltage. This tight matching ensures stable extinction ratio (ER) over operating conditions-critical for maintaining optical eye opening in 2.488Gbps OC-48 and 3.2Gbps applications. Without this feature, ER would drift with temperature, requiring complex closed-loop compensation outside the MAX3736ETE+.
Does the MAX3736ETE+ require external termination resistors for its differential inputs, and why?
No, the MAX3736ETE+ does not require external termination resistors for its IN+/IN− inputs because it integrates a precise 100Ω differential input impedance, fully compliant with SFP MSA requirements. This on-chip termination eliminates layout sensitivity and component count, while the internal biasing network allows seamless AC- or DC-coupling to +3.3V-referenced CML sources-both verified in MAX3736ETE+ characterization data.
MAX3736ETE+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Laser Diode Driver (Fiber Optic)
- Data Rate:
- 3.2Gbps
- Number of Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.97V ~ 3.63V
- Current - Supply:
- 22 mA
- Current - Modulation:
- 85mA
- Current - Bias:
- 100 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TQFN (3x3)
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
MAX3736ETE+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3736ETE+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3736ETE+ 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 MAX3736ETE+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3736ETE+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3736ETE+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3736ETE+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3736ETE+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3736ETE+?
MAX3736ETE+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3736ETE+ 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 MAX3736ETE+?
For technical support, including MAX3736ETE+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3736ETE+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3736ETE+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3736ETE+ 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 MAX3736ETE+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3736ETE+?
All MAX3736ETE+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3736ETE+, 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 MAX3736ETE+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3736ETE+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX3736ETE+ Tags
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EPC21701
EPC
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EPC21601
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AD9665ACPZ-REEL7
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MAX3738ETG+T
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ISL78365ARZ-T7A
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EPC21603ENGRT
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