Say hello to 'first' 40Gbit/s nets SMT device

TriQuint Semiconductor Inc. has rolled out two new driver amplifiers, including what it claims is the industry's first SMT device for use in 40Gbit/s networks.

Reportedly based on GaAs technology, TriQuint's new TGA4943-SL is said to combine multiple amplifiers and filters within a surface mount package for use in 40Gbit/s optical networks. The driver amplifier was developed in cooperation with transceiver and modulator manufacturers.

The TGA4943-SL "consumes only 2.1W—about 50 percent of comparable optical network solutions," said Mike Tessaro, TriQuint's optical networks product marketing manager, in a statement.

"Telecom companies can't afford to stop investing in the rollout of 10Gbit/s and 40Gbit/s networks. The long-haul market in particular uses LiNbO3 modulators for which GaAs-based drivers offer the best performance," said Asif Anwar, an analyst at Strategy Analytics.

"Being able to improve the performance of these drivers while reducing power dissipation and improving the thermal operation of the core components will be an important element to maintaining the momentum behind network rollouts," he said.

Strategy Analytics projects the overall growth for GaAs-based drivers will be 7 percent through 2012.

TriQuint also announced the release of a new 8mm x 8mm surface-mount driver amplifier for 10Gbit/s optical networks. Dubbed the TGA4956-SM, this new driver amplifier is smaller than previous generations and also offers enhanced performance.

Samples and evaluation boards are available for both the TGA4943-SL (40Gbit/s) and the TGA4956-SM (10Gbit/s).

- Mark LaPedus
EE Times