Mitsubishi Electric Intros ML0xx18 EA Driver ICs

The Electronic Device Group of Mitsubishi Electric and Electronics USA Inc. (Sunnyvale, CA) announced the new ML0xx18 family of electro-absorption (EA) modulator driver ICs for 10Gbps transponders, transceivers and other modules designed to conform to all types of multi-source agreements. The new family requires an input of only 0.1V to generate the 3V output necessary to drive an EA modulator.

Designed using the company's proprietary InGaP HBT(1) process technology, the ML0xx18 is capable of offering two to four times the sensitivity of SiGe(2) process technology alternatives. Using a single, -5.2V power supply, the device makes obsolete the need for voltage-conversion circuits inside the optical module, enabling further space reduction and lower costs. Power consumption can be reduced up to 1.5W when using the data re-timing operation and up to 1.3W without it. The ML0xx18 is available as die (ML0CP18) and in a 32-pin, plastic-molded, SLP(4) package (ML01618) with a 5mm x 5mm footprint.

The ML0xx18 samples will be available in April 2003, with volume production scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2003. Pricing is $100 each for the ML01618 and $70 each for the ML0CP18 in 1,000-unit quantities.