Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/8730-narda-unveils-dqpsk-modulator-driver-for-lightwave-systems

Narda Unveils DQPSK Modulator Driver for Lightwave Systems

November 12, 2009

Narda, an L-3 Communications company, introduced the Model FO-MDA-20-25DD-1, a dual-channel DQPSK modulator driver for 40 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s optical transponder applications that has been tested at data rates as high as 113 Gb/s, demonstrating excellent performance even at the highest data rates.

The FO-MDA-20-25DD-1 is designed to interface with a Sierra Monolithics SMI 4025 DQPSK multiplexer/clock multiplier unit on the input and an Avanex Mach-Zehnder lithium-niobate MZ DQPSK modulator at its output. However, other models are available with a different pitch of its output connectors so the unit can also be specified for other modulators, including those from Fujitsu. It integrates a separate channel for I and Q signals within its 36 x 28 x 8 mm package and uses GPPO connectors.

Narda is a member of the 100G Optical Networking Consortium at Georgia Institute of Technology, which allowed comprehensive measurements to be made in both simulated and real system environments. The FO-MDA-20-25DD-1 has a maximum data rate of 35 Gb/s, 30 dB of gain per channel, and output of more than 8 Vpp. It is based on a new, cost-effective MMIC chip set developed by Narda specifically for DPSK/DQPSK applications. The current driver is housed in a metal enclosure and later versions will include surface-mountable packages tailored for high-volume production and fabricated using a low-cost PTFE microwave laminate as the packaging material.

Future configurations tailored for 100 Gb/s operation include a module that will integrate all four data drivers for PD-DQPSK configuration into a single surface-mount package and can optionally include a carver clock driver as well.

The FO-MDA-20-25DD-1 joins Narda’s growing family of products for lightwave systems, including clock oscillators, phase-locked oscillators, lithium niobate and electro-absorptive modulator driver amplifiers, and pulse carver drivers.

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