Agilent VCO chips suit 40Gbps fiber-optic systems

The company has introduced a family of surface-mount voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) targeted at next-generation high-speed 40Gbps fiber-optic communications systems. These embedded clocks synchronize data and voice communications systems to operate at U.S. SONET or European STM transmission rates.

The devices perform multiplexing and demultiplexing clocking, and enable manufacturers to meet low-jitter performance specifications required for line cards in network routers and long-haul communications systems. Their ultra-compact size facilitates the design of tightly integrated boards and line cards for 40Gbps systems.

The VCOs deliver standard SONET frequencies of 19.906GHz and 39.813GHz, with differential outputs, making them compatible with mux/demux ICs for 40Gbps applications. They employ the company's silicon bipolar and GaAs PHEMT technologies, and operate at 5V bias with 0V to 5V tuning range. They are also available at higher frequencies, suiting them for systems with FEC. They can also be housed with SMA/K-connectors.

The VTO-1990-SMD 19.906GHz device is priced at $500 in high volumes, while the 39.813GHz VTO-3981-SMD VCOs are quoted at $650 also in high volumes.