DS1863; DS1865; DS1875: How to Interface to MAX3736 Compact Laser Driver

The Controllers

The DS1863, DS1865, and DS1875 controllers provide two outputs for controlling the laser driver: BIAS and MOD. BIAS is a 13-bit current DAC with a full-scale range of 1.2mA. The MOD output is an 8-bit voltage DAC with a full-scale range of 1.25V.

The Compact Laser Driver

The MAX3736 laser driver has two inputs for laser control: BIASSET and MODSET. Both inputs should be connected to a current-sink controller with 1.2mA full-scale range in order to utilize the laser driver's full output range.

Interface Between Controller and Laser Driver

The controller's BIAS output provides the correct range for the BIASSET input of the laser driver. The MOD output is voltage mode, so must be adapted to interface to the laser driver (Figure 1).

Voltage-to-Current Conversion

An operational amplifier and NPN transistor are used to create a 1.2mA full-scale output from the MOD voltage-DAC output. The MOD output ranges from 0V to 1.25V. The NPN needs to sink current from the MODSET pin, which is maintained at 1.2V. R1 is chosen to keep the voltage at the NPN's emitter to less than 0.3V, and this ensures that the NPN does not saturate at full-scale current. The maximum full-scale current sunk by the NPN is set by the equation: I_MAX = R2 × 1.25V/(R1 × (R3 + R2)).

Component Selection

This application does not require special components. A generic operational amplifier and NPN transistor can be used; the smallest, most affordable components will perform adequately in this application. The Maxim LMX321AXK-T operational amplifier is available in a 2.1mm x 2.0mm SC70-5 package. An NPN such as a 2N3904 or 2N2222 is also sufficient.

Conclusion

A small, simple, inexpensive circuit can be used to interface the DS1863, DS1865, or DS1875 PON controller/monitor to a compact laser driver. This interface circuit can be implemented in less than 9mm².