Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3798ETJ+
- Part No.:
- MAX3798ETJ+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 32-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3798ETJ+.pdf
- Description:
- IC LIMITING 1 CIRCUIT 32TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:129
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Product details
Overview
The MAX3798ETJ+ from Maxim Integrated is a single-supply (+3.3V), integrated limiting amplifier and VCSEL driver IC for 10GBASE-SR and Fibre Channel (1x–8x) optical transceivers, supporting data rates up to 10.3125Gbps. It delivers 3mVP-P receiver sensitivity at 10.32Gbps, 4psP-P deterministic jitter, and programmable modulation/bias currents (up to 12mA/15mA) in a compact 32-pin TQFN package - enabling SFP+ MSA-compliant 850nm VCSEL-based transceiver designs.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3798ETJ+ datasheet, MAX3798ETJ+ pinout, MAX3798ETJ+ application, or MAX3798ETJ+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-mode (high-gain/high-bandwidth) operation, 3-wire digital interface for full Rx/Tx configuration, integrated APC loop control, CML output slew-rate adjustment, and eye safety features compliant with IEC 60825-1 Class 1 requirements.
Technical Context
The MAX3798ETJ+ integrates two functionally distinct signal paths: a high-sensitivity limiting amplifier with adjustable LOS threshold and CML output level control, and a precision VCSEL driver with independent modulation/bias current DACs, eye-crossing adjustment, and programmable deemphasis. Its MODE_SEL architecture enables dynamic switching between high-gain (optimized for low-input-signal scenarios) and high-bandwidth (optimized for 10G NRZ) modes.
All differential I/Os are internally back-terminated to 50Ω for direct PCB routing without external resistors. The 3-wire digital interface (SDA/SCL/CSEL) controls 24+ configurable parameters - including Rx squelch polarity, Tx deemphasis, LOS hysteresis, and CML output amplitude - eliminating need for external microcontrollers or discrete logic in SFP+ modules.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Data Rate Support | 1.0625Gbps to 10.3125Gbps (NRZ); enables interoperability across 1x/2x/4x/8x FC and 10GBASE-SR/LR/LRM standards. |
| Receiver Sensitivity | 3mVP-P at 10.32Gbps; allows use with low-output ROSAs while maintaining BER ≤10⁻¹². |
| Deterministic Jitter | 4psP-P at 10.32Gbps (2³¹−1 PRBS); meets SFP+ MSA eye mask compliance for 850nm VCSEL links. |
| Modulation Current Range | 2mA to 12mA into 100Ω differential load; supports precise optical power tuning for APC loop stability. |
| Bias Current Range | 2mA to 15mA; enables thermal drift compensation and VCSEL aging margin in long-life transceivers. |
| Power Dissipation | 320mW typical at 3.3V; enables thermally constrained SFP+ module designs without forced air cooling. |
| LOS Threshold Adjustment | 14–77mVP-P range via 6-bit DAC; permits adaptive signal loss detection across varying fiber lengths and connector losses. |
Pinout & Package
MAX3798ETJ+ is housed in a lead-free, RoHS-compliant 5mm × 5mm, 32-pin TQFN-EP package with exposed thermal pad (pin 32). All differential I/Os are internally back-terminated to 50Ω for impedance-matched PCB trace routing.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (LOS) | Open-drain loss-of-signal indicator | Asserts low when input falls below programmable threshold; polarity invertible via register; supports SFP+ LOS signaling. |
| 2 (MSEL) | Hardware mode-select input | Logic-high selects high-bandwidth mode (10G); logic-low selects high-gain mode (≤4.25G); internal 75kΩ pulldown. |
| 3,6,27,30 (VCCR) | Receiver power supply | Dedicated 3.3V rail for limiting amplifier; decoupling required per datasheet layout guidelines. |
| 4,5 (ROUT+, ROUT−) | Differential CML receive output | AC-coupled, 50Ω back-terminated; supports 400mVP-P to 1005mVP-P amplitude via SET_CML DAC. |
| 7,8 (TIN+, TIN−) | Differential transmit input | Accepts CML-level data (0.075–0.8VP-P); 75–125Ω differential input resistance; >9dB return loss to 16GHz. |
| 9,10 (TOUT+, TOUT−) | Differential VCSEL modulation output | Drives VCSEL anode/cathode; supports 26–39ps rise/fall time; integrated eye safety monitoring. |
| 11 (BIAS) | VCSEL bias current output | Sink output delivering 2–15mA; compliance voltage 0.9–2.1V; monitored via BMON pin. |
| 12 (BMON) | Bias current monitor | Analog voltage proportional to BIAS current (16mA/A gain); used for closed-loop APC feedback. |
| 13 (DISABLE) | Transmit shutdown control | Active-high TTL/CMOS input; asserts within 1μs to disable IMOD/IBIAS; resets FAULT on negation. |
| 14 (FAULT) | Open-drain fault indicator | Asserts low on overvoltage at BMAX/MMAX/BMON/BIAS; requires external 4.7kΩ pullup to VCC. |
| 15–18,20–23,25,26,28,29,31 (SDA, SCL, CSEL, RIN+, RIN−, VEER, VEET, CAZ1, CAZ2, BMAX, MMAX, VBMON) | Digital interface & analog monitoring terminals | 3-wire serial control (400–1000kHz), input termination, APC loop capacitors, and safety voltage monitors. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 3-wire digital interface | Reduces pin count by 60% vs. parallel control; enables full Rx/Tx configuration (mode, LOS, deemphasis, eye crossing) without external MCU. |
| Dual-mode limiting amplifier | Hardware (MSEL) + register-controlled selection between high-gain (for low-sensitivity ROSAs) and high-bandwidth (for 10G NRZ) operation. |
| Programmable CML output slew rate | Adjustable rise/fall time (26–50ps) in high-gain mode to optimize eye opening under varying channel loss. |
| Integrated eye safety circuitry | Monitors BMAX, MMAX, BMON, and BIAS voltages; asserts FAULT if thresholds exceeded - satisfies IEC 60825-1 Class 1 compliance. |
| Low-jitter VCSEL driver | 4psP-P DJ at 10.32Gbps with 26ps Tx transition time; supports mask-compliant optical eye diagrams for 10GBASE-SR. |
| APC loop support | Includes dedicated BMON pin with 16mA/A gain and CAZ1/CAZ2 capacitor pads for stable average-power control loop implementation. |
Applications
| 10GBASE-SR SFP+ Transceiver | 8x Fibre Channel SFP Transceiver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Short-reach (≤300m) multimode fiber links in data center top-of-rack switches using 850nm VCSELs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Receives low-amplitude TIA output, limits to clean CML signal; drives VCSEL with precisely controlled IMOD/IBIAS for stable optical output. Use Value: Enables 10.3125Gbps operation with <4ps DJ and 3mVP-P sensitivity - meeting IEEE 802.3ae SR mask requirements without external equalization. |
Use Scenario: High-density storage area networks with legacy 8.5Gbps Fibre Channel infrastructure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as limiting amplifier and laser driver in SFF-8472-compliant SFP modules; supports 1x/2x/4x/8x FC data rates. Use Value: Single-chip solution reduces BOM count and PCB area vs. discrete amplifier + driver; MODE_SEL pin simplifies rate auto-detection. |
| 10GBASE-LR SFP+ Transceiver (1310nm) | 10GBASE-LRM SFP+ Transceiver (1310nm) |
Use Scenario: 10km single-mode fiber links using 1310nm DFB lasers in enterprise campus networks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides high-sensitivity limiting amplification for low-output PIN diodes; drives DFB laser via external modulator interface. Use Value: 3mVP-P sensitivity at 10.32Gbps allows use with low-cost ROSAs; programmable LOS threshold adapts to varying link budgets. |
Use Scenario: Extended-reach (≤220m) operation over legacy 62.5μm multimode fiber using 1310nm VCSELs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compensates for modal dispersion via programmable deemphasis and eye-crossing adjustment in Tx path. Use Value: SET_TXDE[3:0] and eye-crossing DAC enable optimization of optical eye for LRM compliance without hardware changes. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar limiting amplifier and VCSEL driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3738ETJ+ | Lower max data rate (4.25Gbps); no 10G NRZ support; identical 32-pin TQFN package and 3-wire interface. | Targeted for 1x/2x/4x FC only; not suitable for 10GBASE-SR/LR. | Select MAX3738ETJ+ only for cost-sensitive ≤4.25Gbps SFP designs where 10G capability is unnecessary. |
| SY88315BLEY | Higher power consumption (450mW); supports 11.3Gbps; uses 4-wire SPI instead of 3-wire interface; 28-pin QFN package. | Designed for CPRI/eCPRI fronthaul; lacks integrated APC loop components (CAZ1/CAZ2 pins). | Choose SY88315BLEY only when >10.3125Gbps margin or CPRI timing specs are required; expect PCB redesign due to pinout/package change. |
Compared with MAX3738ETJ+ and SY88315BLEY, the MAX3798ETJ+ uniquely balances 10.3125Gbps performance, ultra-low 320mW power, integrated APC support, and SFP+ MSA-compliant pinout - making it the optimal choice for next-generation 10G optical transceivers requiring thermal efficiency and design reuse.
Availability
MAX3798ETJ+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 10GBASE-SR optical transceivers, Fibre Channel SFP+ modules, and 10G Ethernet over multimode fiber applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MAX3798ETJ+ 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 ICs for communications, computing, and industrial systems.
The MAX3798ETJ+ belongs to Maxim's optical interconnect product line, designed specifically to simplify SFP/SFP+ transceiver development with integrated limiting amplifiers, VCSEL drivers, and digital configuration interfaces - reducing time-to-market for 10G optical modules.
FAQ
What data rates does the MAX3798ETJ+ support?
The MAX3798ETJ+ supports data rates from 1.0625Gbps up to 10.3125Gbps (NRZ), covering all Fibre Channel speeds (1x/2x/4x/8x) and IEEE 802.3ae 10GBASE-SR/LR/LRM standards. At 10.32Gbps, it achieves 3mVP-P receiver sensitivity and 4psP-P deterministic jitter - verified with 2³¹−1 PRBS test patterns per datasheet Section 3.
Does the MAX3798ETJ+ include integrated eye safety features?
Yes, the MAX3798ETJ+ includes hardware-monitored eye safety circuitry compliant with IEC 60825-1 Class 1 requirements. It continuously monitors voltages at BMAX, MMAX, BMON, and BIAS pins; asserts the open-drain FAULT pin if any exceed defined thresholds (e.g., VBMAX < VCC − 0.6V), ensuring automatic laser shutdown during fault conditions.
How is the MAX3798ETJ+ configured for different optical standards?
The MAX3798ETJ+ uses a 3-wire digital interface (SDA/SCL/CSEL) to configure 24+ parameters including MODE_SEL (high-gain vs. high-bandwidth), LOS threshold (14–77mVP-P), CML output amplitude (595–1005mVP-P), Tx deemphasis, and eye-crossing. Configuration registers allow one hardware design to support 10GBASE-SR, FC-8x, and LRM via firmware - no PCB changes required.
What is the package type and thermal performance of the MAX3798ETJ+?
The MAX3798ETJ+ uses a 5mm × 5mm, 32-pin TQFN-EP package with exposed thermal pad (pin 32). At 3.3V supply and 25°C ambient, it dissipates 320mW typical power. Its thermal resistance θJA is 34.5°C/W above +70°C, enabling operation up to +85°C ambient in SFP+ modules without active cooling - validated per datasheet Absolute Maximum Ratings table.
Can the MAX3798ETJ+ be used in both SFP and SFP+ form factors?
Yes, the MAX3798ETJ+ is explicitly designed for both SFP and SFP+ MSA-compliant optical transceivers. Its dual-mode architecture (via MSEL pin or MODE_SEL register) supports lower-speed FC-1x/2x/4x (SFP) and 10G Ethernet (SFP+). The 32-pin TQFN footprint matches SFP+ module layout constraints, and its 3.3V single supply eliminates need for additional voltage rails.
MAX3798ETJ+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 32-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Amplifier Type:
- Limiting
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Output Type:
- Differential
- Slew Rate:
- -
- Gain Bandwidth Product:
- -
- -3db Bandwidth:
- -
- Current - Input Bias:
- -
- Voltage - Input Offset:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- 97mA
- Current - Output / Channel:
- -
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- 2.85 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 3.63 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 32-TQFN (5x5)
MAX3798ETJ+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3798ETJ+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3798ETJ+ 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 MAX3798ETJ+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3798ETJ+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3798ETJ+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3798ETJ+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3798ETJ+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3798ETJ+?
MAX3798ETJ+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3798ETJ+ 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 MAX3798ETJ+?
For technical support, including MAX3798ETJ+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3798ETJ+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3798ETJ+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3798ETJ+ 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 MAX3798ETJ+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3798ETJ+?
All MAX3798ETJ+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3798ETJ+, 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 MAX3798ETJ+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3798ETJ+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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