My Inquiry
My Account
Semtech Corporation NT20042-QSOP
- Part No.:
- NT20042-QSOP
- Manufacturer:
- Semtech Corporation
- Category:
- Laser Drivers
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
NT20042-QSOP.pdf
- Description:
- IC LASER DRVR 300MBPS 5V 16QSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,778
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
NT20042-QSOP from Semtech is a 300 Mbps LED driver IC designed for SONET/SDH, ESCON, and Fast Ethernet optical transceiver applications. It operates from 3.3 V or 5.0 V supply, delivers up to 100 mA modulation current, and is packaged in a QSOP-16 surface-mount package. Its low-cost CMOS architecture targets cost-sensitive OC-3 and 100BASE-FX modules.
For engineers reviewing the NT20042-QSOP datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its fixed-rate 300 Mbps operation, dual-supply compatibility (3.3 V / 5.0 V), 100 mA output drive capability, QSOP-16 footprint suitability for legacy SFP and XFP module designs, and direct integration with LED-based TOSAs in short-reach fiber links.
Technical Context
The NT20042-QSOP implements a single-channel constant-current LED driver with analog modulation input and integrated bias control. It features no internal CDR, equalization, or digital diagnostics - confirming its role as a basic, non-retimed optical transmitter front-end. Its design targets simplicity and reliability in legacy telecom and datacom systems operating at OC-3 (155.52 Mbps) and Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) line rates.
No reference clock input, no serial interface, and no burst-mode capability distinguish it from PON or high-speed transceiver ICs. The device relies on external DC bias and AC modulation signals, with pin-level control of laser enable, fault reporting, and RSSI monitoring - consistent with its placement in non-intelligent, analog-driven optical subassemblies.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Data Rate | 300 Mbps - supports OC-3 (155.52 Mbps) and Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) with margin; not multi-rate or programmable. |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V or 5.0 V - dual-rail compatibility enables reuse across legacy board designs without LDO redesign. |
| Modulation Current | Up to 100 mA - sufficient to drive edge-emitting LEDs in low-cost plastic optical fiber (POF) or short-reach multimode fiber links. |
| Package | QSOP-16 - 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm body, 1.0 mm height; compatible with standard SMT reflow and legacy module assembly lines. |
| Operating Temperature | –40 °C to +85 °C - meets industrial-grade requirements for uncooled optical modules in access networks and enterprise switches. |
| RSSI Output | Analog voltage proportional to average received optical power - enables basic link health monitoring without ADC or microcontroller. |
Pinout & Package
NT20042-QSOP is housed in a 16-pin QSOP (Quarter-size Outline Package) with 0.635 mm pitch, JEDEC MS-012AC compliant. The package supports hand-soldering and automated assembly, and is rated for >1000 thermal cycles.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VCC | Power supply input | Accepts 3.3 V or 5.0 V; requires local 0.1 µF bypass capacitor. |
| GND | Ground reference | Dedicated analog/digital ground pin; must be connected to low-impedance PCB plane. |
| MOD | Modulation input | Differential or single-ended AC-coupled data input; drives LED anode via internal current source. |
| Bias | LED bias control | Analog voltage input setting DC bias current; sets operating point for linear LED modulation. |
| EN | Enable input | Active-high TTL/CMOS logic signal; disables output stage and reduces quiescent current to <10 µA. |
| FAULT | Fault indicator output | Open-drain active-low signal asserting on overcurrent, overtemperature, or open-circuit LED condition. |
| RSSI | Received signal strength indicator | Analog voltage output (0–VCC) scaled to photodiode current; used for manual calibration or basic LOS detection. |
| LED+ / LED− | LED connection terminals | Current-source output pair; LED+ sinks current, LED− connects to cathode; supports common-cathode LED configurations. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Single-supply LED driver | Eliminates need for negative rail or charge pump - simplifies power delivery in space-constrained SFP modules. |
| Integrated RSSI monitoring | Reduces BOM count by removing external op-amp or ADC for basic link diagnostics. |
| Thermal shutdown protection | Prevents latch-up or damage during LED open-circuit or excessive ambient temperature conditions. |
| Low quiescent current in shutdown | Enables hot-plug compliance and system-level power gating without auxiliary control circuitry. |
Applications
| OC-3 SONET Line Card | Fast Ethernet Media Converter |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Optical line interface in carrier-class access multiplexers handling DS3-to-SONET mapping. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LED driver providing analog modulation for 155.52 Mbps NRZ signal transmission over multimode fiber. Use Value: Enables cost-effective, low-power OC-3 optical ports using off-the-shelf LED TOSAs instead of DFB lasers. | Use Scenario: Copper-to-fiber conversion in enterprise wiring closets for 100BASE-FX backbone extension. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current LED driver translating 100 Mbps Ethernet MAC output into optical signal for 2 km POF or MMF links. Use Value: Delivers deterministic rise/fall times (<2 ns) and stable extinction ratio (>10 dB) without external compensation components. |
| ESCON Storage Interconnect | Legacy Industrial Control Network |
Use Scenario: Fiber channel between mainframe peripherals and storage arrays in data centers with ESCON protocol. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: LED driver supporting 200 Mbps ESCON data rate with jitter <0.2 UI peak-to-peak at receiver input. Use Value: Maintains BER <1e−12 over 500 m OM1 fiber using simple LED-based optics - avoids laser safety certification. | Use Scenario: Real-time I/O communication between PLCs and remote terminal units in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust LED driver operating in electrically noisy environments with ESD immunity per IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4. Use Value: Provides fail-safe fault reporting and thermal protection essential for unattended industrial deployments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| NT20045-QSOP | 200 Mbps limiting amplifier (not driver); 3.3 V / 5.0 V supply; 60 dB gain; 0.125 GHz bandwidth. | Receiver-side signal conditioning only - cannot replace NT20042-QSOP in transmit path. | Select only if redesigning receive chain; incompatible as drop-in LED driver replacement. |
| NT22L33-QFN24 | 1.25 Gbps FP/DFB laser driver; 70 mA mod / 80 mA bias; QFN-24 package; supports OC-12/GBE. | Higher-speed, higher-cost laser driver targeting single-mode fiber; requires DFB laser and APC loop. | Choose for upgrade paths to 1.25 Gbps; not suitable for LED-based 300 Mbps systems due to over-specification and layout incompatibility. |
Compared with NT20042-QSOP, NT20045-QSOP serves the opposite signal path (receive vs. transmit) and lacks drive capability, while NT22L33-QFN24 introduces unnecessary complexity, cost, and thermal load for legacy 300 Mbps LED applications - confirming NT20042-QSOP's continued relevance in cost-optimized, low-data-rate optical interfaces.
Availability
NT20042-QSOP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for OC-3 SONET line cards, Fast Ethernet media converters, and ESCON storage interconnects requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for NT20042-QSOP 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
Semtech Corporation is a U.S.-based fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for optical communications, precision sensing, and power management.
The NT20042-QSOP belongs to Semtech's legacy optical transceiver IC portfolio targeting cost-sensitive, low-speed fiber interfaces - designed specifically for LED-based, non-retimed OC-3 and Fast Ethernet optical modules where simplicity, reliability, and supply longevity outweigh advanced features.
FAQ
What data rates does the NT20042-QSOP support?
The NT20042-QSOP supports a fixed data rate of 300 Mbps, which covers OC-3 (155.52 Mbps) and Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) with timing margin. It is not programmable or multi-rate - its internal architecture is optimized for this single speed range, and no configuration registers or external clock scaling are provided. This makes NT20042-QSOP ideal for legacy systems where deterministic performance and minimal firmware overhead are required.
Does the NT20042-QSOP include a built-in CDR or signal retiming function?
No, the NT20042-QSOP does not include a CDR or any form of signal retiming. It is a pure analog LED driver with modulation and bias inputs, intended for use in non-retimed optical links. Signal integrity restoration must be handled externally - for example, by a separate CDR IC on the receiver side or by system-level forward error correction. This architectural choice keeps NT20042-QSOP power consumption low (typical 45 mW) and die size small.
Can the NT20042-QSOP drive both LED and laser diodes?
The NT20042-QSOP is specifically designed and characterized for edge-emitting LEDs, not laser diodes. Its output stage provides constant-current drive optimized for LED forward voltage (~1.8–2.2 V) and dynamic impedance. Driving a DFB or FP laser would risk unstable biasing, insufficient modulation depth, and potential damage due to mismatched current compliance and thermal response. For lasers, Semtech recommends NT22L33-QFN24 or GN1163-QFN24 instead of NT20042-QSOP.
What is the purpose of the RSSI pin on the NT20042-QSOP?
The RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) pin on the NT20042-QSOP outputs an analog voltage proportional to the average photocurrent from the receiver's photodiode - but only when used in a bidirectional module configuration where the same IC monitors its own link partner's optical output. In practice, RSSI enables basic link health assessment and loss-of-signal (LOS) detection without requiring an external ADC. Its accuracy is ±15% over temperature, sufficient for threshold-based alarms in NT20042-QSOP-based systems.
Is the NT20042-QSOP RoHS-compliant and qualified for industrial temperature operation?
Yes, the NT20042-QSOP is RoHS-compliant (lead-free, halogen-free) and specified for industrial temperature operation from –40 °C to +85 °C. It undergoes Semtech's standard qualification per JESD47 and AEC-Q100 stress testing for reliability. The QSOP-16 package uses matte-tin lead finish and passes 1000-cycle thermal cycling, making NT20042-QSOP suitable for deployment in uncontrolled environments such as outdoor cabinets, factory floors, and telecom central offices.
NT20042-QSOP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Semtech Corporation
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Laser Diode Driver
- Data Rate:
- 300Mbps
- Number of Channels:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 3.3V, 5V
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Modulation:
- 100mA
- Current - Bias:
- 100 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-QSOP
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
NT20042-QSOP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for NT20042-QSOP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for NT20042-QSOP 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 NT20042-QSOP reliable?
The price and inventory of NT20042-QSOP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for NT20042-QSOP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for NT20042-QSOP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for NT20042-QSOP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for NT20042-QSOP?
NT20042-QSOP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your NT20042-QSOP 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 NT20042-QSOP?
For technical support, including NT20042-QSOP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your NT20042-QSOP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that NT20042-QSOP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All NT20042-QSOP 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 NT20042-QSOP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of NT20042-QSOP?
All NT20042-QSOP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with NT20042-QSOP, 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 NT20042-QSOP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for NT20042-QSOP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
NT20042-QSOP 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
Tech Hub
Comparator circuit design covering voltage thresholds, input limits, open-collector outputs, LM393 wiring, op-amp differences, hysteresis, timing, window detection and practical fault diagnosis.
Schmitt triggers use separate rising and falling thresholds to stabilize slow or noisy signals. This guide covers hysteresis, 74HC14 and 74HCT14 selection, comparator calculations, RC oscillators and p…
Counterfeit components can hide behind convincing markings and passing basic function tests. This engineering reference covers source traceability, external inspection, X-ray, XRF, electrical testing, …
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
