Linear amplifier evaluates optical transmissions devices in the generation beyond one tera

Anritsu Corporation has released its AH15199B 140 Gbaud Wideband/High-Output (2Vpp) Linear Amplifier developed to evaluate optical transmissions devices in the generation of beyond 1 Tera.

This new linear amplifier features a wideband frequency response of 200kHz to 135 GHz at a –6dB bandwidth and can amplify 140 Gbaud PAM4 signals to 2.0Vpp. The high-gain amplification of +15.5dB and low jitter fluctuation of 300fs from the actual signal timing support amplification of even high-quality input signals attenuated during transmission.

Furthermore, the device can amplify 140 Gbaud PAM4 signals from various signal sources, such as DSP, and can directly drive modulators and other devices requiring high amplitude. Therefore, it is a suitable driver for evaluating optical modulators for 800GbE and 1.6TbE digital coherent system, now the focus of attention as next-generation transmission systems, as well as for IM-DD systems used widely in optical communications.

Mobile data traffic is increasing with the growth of AI, ML, and other services, but further growths in communication speeds for servers and network devices are a major challenge.

The next-generation Ethernet standard IEEE802.3 supporting high-speed networks will employ digital coherent methods, such as 800GBASE-LR1 (for 10km), 800GBASE-ER1-20 (for 20km), and 800GBASE-ER1 (for 40km), asnd the IM-DD method. The OIF (Optical Internetworking Forum) is studying specifications for optical transmission technologies, such as 800ZR, 1600ZR, and coherent technology to support increased optical network capacity and accelerate growth of 'beyond 1 Terahertz' systems.

On the other hand, higher transmission speeds suffer larger signal attenuation, so a high-power linear driver is needed to amplify PAM signals faithfully and drive modulators directly. The new high-power linear amplifier supports evaluation of 2.0Vpp signals at 140 Gbaud PAM4 for high-speed, high-output data transmissions at a low maximum power consumption of 1.5W. A 140 Gbaud data speed equals 140 billion signal changes per second.

The standard, small, dedicated power supply decreases the risk of damage from incorrect handling.