FIRST DUAL POTENTIOMETER OPTIMIZED FOR GIGABIT TRANSCEIVER MODULES
DALLAS, TX-November 13, 2001-Dallas Semiconductor introduces the DS1855 dual potentiometer with nonvolatile (NV) memory, the first potentiometer with integrated memory specifically designed to enhance performance in gigabit transceiver modules. The software memory lock feature protects accidental or unauthorized access to the NV memory array. The device combines two linear-taper potentiometers with 256 bytes EEPROM, which provides NV storage for potentiometer output and configuration settings and in-circuit programmability via a 2-wire interface. Packaged in a 14-pin TSOP BGA, the DS1855 optimizes calibration while replacing multiple components at lower cost in space-constrained transceiver modules.
Potentiometers are used in transceiver modules to control current through each of two diodes in an optical transceiver, which converts electrical signals to optical.
The user configures the DS1855's dual 100-position and 256-position outputs with application-specific settings, which are maintained in NV memory and used in operation. By integrating memory with two differently configured potentiometers, a single DS1855 replaces multiple parts and makes programming and storing the settings easier. The DS1855's interface allows drop-in compatibility with existing software written for standard 2-wire EEPROM, as well as in-circuit updates.
The optical transceiver module can be plugged externally into an electrical backplane in routers and networking hubs or soldered to a motherboard in a server. Typical applications for the DS1855 are in gigabit Ethernet, fiber channel, and SONET applications. The DS1855's dual functionality and programmability can also benefit any system requiring a potentiometer.
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