Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3967AETG+
- Part No.:
- MAX3967AETG+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Laser Drivers
- Package:
- 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3967AETG+.pdf
- Description:
- IC LASER DRV 270MBPS 5.5V 24TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
The MAX3967AETG+ from Maxim Integrated is a 270Mbps SFP-compliant LED driver IC designed for fiber optic transmitters. It delivers programmable modulation current up to 100mA, adjustable prebias voltage (400mV–925mV), and temperature coefficient tuning from 2500ppm/°C to 12,000ppm/°C via external resistors. It accepts PECL differential inputs and operates from a single +2.97V to +5.5V supply, targeting high-speed multimode LED-based optical links.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3967AETG+ datasheet, MAX3967AETG+ pinout, MAX3967AETG+ application, or MAX3967AETG+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its SFP TX_DISABLE compatibility, complementary output architecture for EMI reduction, programmable tempco for LED power stability over temperature, and 24-pin thin QFN package with exposed thermal pad.
Technical Context
The MAX3967AETG+ integrates a high-speed bipolar current driver with dual reference-voltage generators enabling precise modulation-current temperature compensation. Its PECL-compatible differential input buffer features ~50kΩ input impedance and supports DC-coupled data up to 270Mbps, with edge speeds as fast as 300ps (20%–80%).
It implements a programmable prebias current generator using three configuration pins (PB1–PB3) to set VPREBIAS across eight discrete levels, and includes a MON pin sourcing 1/96 of modulation current for real-time monitoring. The complementary OUT+/OUT− outputs maintain near-constant supply current, minimizing supply noise and radiated EMI in compact SFP modules.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Data Rate | 270Mbps - supports Fast Ethernet, FDDI, and 155Mbps ATM physical layer timing margins |
| Modulation Current | Up to 100mA - drives typical high-speed multimode LEDs with sufficient optical extinction ratio |
| Tempco Range | 2500–12,000ppm/°C - compensates LED output power drift across -40°C to +85°C ambient |
| Prebias Voltage | 400mV–925mV - improves LED switching speed via controlled peaking current without degrading extinction |
| Supply Voltage | +2.97V to +5.5V - compatible with both 3.3V and 5V SFP module power rails |
| Output Edge Speed | 300–1230ps (20%–80%) - enables clean eye diagrams at 155–266Mbps with low jitter |
| TX_DISABLE Response | 10ns–500ns assert/negate time - meets SFP MSA-defined disable timing requirements |
Pinout & Package
The MAX3967AETG+ is housed in a 4mm × 4mm × 0.8mm 24-pin thin QFN package with an exposed thermal pad that must be soldered to PCB ground for optimal thermal and electrical performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (TCNOM) | Tempco reference node | Shorting TC to TCNOM sets nominal 3600ppm/°C modulation-current tempco |
| 2 (TC) | Tempco programming input | External resistor between TC and TCMIN programs custom tempco; open = max 12,000ppm/°C |
| 3–5 (PB1–PB3) | Prebias voltage selector | Binary-coded connection to VEE selects one of eight VPREBIAS levels (0.400V–0.925V) |
| 6–7 (VEEOUT) | Output-stage ground return | Dedicated low-inductance ground path for OUT+/OUT− drivers to minimize switching noise |
| 8–9 (OUT+) | Main LED modulation current output | Drives anode/cathode of LED directly; 100mA max; complementary to OUT− |
| 10–11 (OUT−) | Complementary LED current sink | Switches 180° out-of-phase with OUT+ to stabilize supply current and reduce EMI |
| 12, 16 (N.C.) | No internal connection | Must remain unconnected; no routing or copper fill required |
| 13–14 (VCCOUT) | Output-stage supply rail | Separate VCC path for output drivers; bypass locally to reduce high-frequency noise |
| 15, 19 (VCC) | Analog/digital core supply | Supplies internal amplifiers and reference circuits; requires local 0.1µF + 1µF decoupling |
| 17 (MON) | Modulation current monitor | Sources 1/96 × IMODSET; used for closed-loop bias control or diagnostics |
| 18 (MODSET) | Modulation current programming | Resistor to VEE sets IMODSET (e.g., 1kΩ → 86mA at +25°C, nominal tempco) |
| 20 (IN−), 21 (IN+) | Differential PECL data input | Accepts −1.475V to −0.880V logic; 50kΩ input impedance; internal termination when floating |
| 22 (TX_DISABLE) | SFP-compliant disable control | Open = enabled; pulled high (>2.0V) = disabled; internal VEE pull-down ensures safe default state |
| 23 (VEE) | Analog ground reference | Core ground for input buffer and reference circuits; separate from VEEOUT for noise isolation |
| 24 (TCMIN) | Min-tempco reference node | Shorting TC to TCMIN sets minimum 2500ppm/°C tempco |
| EP (Exposed Pad) | Thermal & electrical ground | Mandatory connection to PCB ground plane; dominates thermal resistance (θJA ≈ 48°C/W) |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| SFP TX_DISABLE compatibility | Meets SFP MSA timing and logic thresholds (VIH ≥ 2.0V, VIL ≤ 0.8V, t_off/t_on ≤ 500ns) |
| Programmable modulation-current tempco | Three-point calibration (min/nom/max) plus continuous RTC tuning enables LED-specific thermal compensation |
| Adjustable LED prebias voltage | Eight discrete VPREBIAS levels via PB1–PB3 eliminate need for external DAC or op-amp bias circuitry |
| Complementary current outputs | OUT+/OUT− pair reduces supply current ripple by >90%, cutting conducted EMI in SFP modules |
| Integrated peaking network | On-die 35Ω + 12pF RC network combined with external components optimizes optical pulse shape |
Applications
| Multimode LED Transmitters | Fast Ethernet / FDDI |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving 850nm multimode VCSEL or LED in short-reach (<2km) optical links. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed current driver providing modulated optical output synchronized to PECL data stream. Use Value: Programmable prebias and tempco maintain consistent optical extinction ratio and average power across industrial temperature range. | Use Scenario: 100BASE-FX and FDDI PHY layer transmitter in enterprise networking equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: SFP-compliant LED driver delivering 125MHz/125Mbaud NRZ signal with <250ps DJ. Use Value: Complementary outputs suppress supply noise, enabling stable operation in dense line-card environments. |
| 155Mbps LAN ATM Transceivers | SFP Transceivers |
Use Scenario: SONET OC-3/STS-3 and ATM UNI interfaces in telecom access nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision current source generating optical pulses meeting ITU-T G.957 spectral mask. Use Value: 155Mbps eye diagram compliance verified at TA = −40°C/+85°C with VCC = 2.97V/5.5V. | Use Scenario: Pluggable SFP optical module for switch/router uplinks and storage interconnects. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fully integrated LED driver satisfying SFP MSA mechanical, electrical, and thermal requirements. Use Value: 24-pin thin QFN package with exposed pad enables <1.5W dissipation in 12.2mm × 10.3mm SFP footprint. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX3967AE/D | Dice version; same electrical specs but no package; requires custom hybrid assembly | Used in chip-on-board or hermetic module designs where QFN footprint is prohibitive | Select only when board-level integration and thermal management infrastructure exist |
| MAX3968AETG+ | Higher 3.2Gbps data rate; supports laser diodes (LD) and LEDs; adds LD bias control | Targeted at single-mode fiber and GPON applications requiring laser drive capability | Choose for future-proofing or migration to higher-speed/laser-based systems |
Compared with MAX3967AE/D, the MAX3967AETG+ offers plug-and-play QFN assembly and guaranteed thermal performance; compared with MAX3968AETG+, it provides optimized cost and simplicity for legacy multimode LED links below 300Mbps.
Availability
The MAX3967AETG+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for multimode LED transmitters, Fast Ethernet/FDDI optical modules, and 155Mbps LAN ATM transceivers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX3967AETG+ 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 MAX3967AETG+ belongs to Maxim's fiber-optic interface product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability SFP-compliant LED transmitters operating up to 270Mbps in commercial and industrial environments.
FAQ
What is the maximum modulation current supported by the MAX3967AETG+?
The MAX3967AETG+ supports up to 100mA of modulation current into typical high-speed LEDs. This value is achieved with RMODSET = 698Ω at TA = +25°C under nominal tempco conditions. At TA = +85°C and RMODSET = 698Ω, the device delivers 140mA (max), ensuring robust optical output across the full industrial temperature range. The MAX3967AETG+ maintains this performance while preserving LED reliability and extinction ratio.
How does the MAX3967AETG+ implement temperature compensation for LED output power?
The MAX3967AETG+ uses two internal reference-voltage generators-one temperature-stable and one with ~12,000ppm/°C positive tempco-to create programmable modulation-current temperature coefficients. By connecting the TC pin to TCNOM (3600ppm/°C), TCMIN (2500ppm/°C), or leaving it open (12,000ppm/°C), or adding an external RTC resistor, the MAX3967AETG+ dynamically adjusts modulation current to counteract LED efficiency drop with rising temperature-ensuring stable average optical power.
Can the MAX3967AETG+ be used with non-PECL data sources?
Yes, the MAX3967AETG+ can interface with non-PECL sources using external termination networks. Its differential inputs accept DC-coupled signals within −1.81V to −0.88V referenced to VCC. For LVDS or CML sources, a simple resistive divider or AC-coupled termination (e.g., 82Ω to VCC − 2V) adapts the signal level. The MAX3967AETG+'s 50kΩ input impedance and internal biasing ensure reliable operation without additional level-shifting ICs.
What is the function of the MON pin on the MAX3967AETG+?
The MON pin on the MAX3967AETG+ sources a current equal to 1/96 of the modulation current (IMON = IMODSET / 96). When connected to VEE through a resistor (RMON), it provides a scalable analog monitor signal for closed-loop bias control, production test, or real-time diagnostics. The MAX3967AETG+ specifies VMON < 1.1V; therefore, RMON must be selected to keep voltage within limit-for example, 10kΩ for 86mA IMODSET yields 0.86V at MON.
Is the exposed thermal pad on the MAX3967AETG+ package required to be grounded?
Yes, the exposed pad on the MAX3967AETG+ 24-pin thin QFN package must be soldered to the PCB ground plane. Maxim explicitly states this connection is mandatory for proper thermal dissipation (reducing θJA by ~30%) and electrical stability-especially for the VEEOUT and VCCOUT return paths. Failure to connect the pad risks thermal shutdown, increased jitter, and degraded EMI performance. The MAX3967AETG+ datasheet identifies this as a non-negotiable layout requirement.
MAX3967AETG+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Laser Diode Driver for Fiber Optic Module
- Data Rate:
- 270Mbps
- Number of Channels:
- 1
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.97V ~ 5.5V
- Current - Supply:
- 30 mA
- Current - Modulation:
- Adjustable
- Current - Bias:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-TQFN (4x4)
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
MAX3967AETG+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3967AETG+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3967AETG+ 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 MAX3967AETG+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3967AETG+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3967AETG+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3967AETG+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3967AETG+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3967AETG+?
MAX3967AETG+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3967AETG+ 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 MAX3967AETG+?
For technical support, including MAX3967AETG+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3967AETG+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3967AETG+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3967AETG+ 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 MAX3967AETG+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3967AETG+?
All MAX3967AETG+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3967AETG+, 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 MAX3967AETG+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3967AETG+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX3967AETG+ Tags

-
EPC21701
EPC

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EPC21601
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MAX3799ETJ+T
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

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AD9665ACPZ-REEL7
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EPC21603
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Texas Instruments

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MAX3738ETG+T
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SY88022ALMG-TR
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ISL78365ARZ-T7A
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EPC21603ENGRT
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