3.0V to 5.5V, 1.25Gbps/2.5Gbps LAN Laser Drivers

Part Number	Status	Replacement	Explanation
MAX3286	This product is Not Recommended for New Designs. See Ordering Information for recommended replacements.	MAX3735A MAX3738 MAX3740A MAX3996	Improved Performance and Features
MAX3287	This product is Not Recommended for New Designs. See Ordering Information for recommended replacements.	MAX3735A MAX3738 MAX3740A MAX3996	Improved Performance and Features
MAX3288	This product is Not Recommended for New Designs. See Ordering Information for recommended replacements.	MAX3735A MAX3738 MAX3740A MAX3996	Improved Performance and Features
MAX3289	This product is Not Recommended for New Designs. See Ordering Information for recommended replacements.	MAX3735A MAX3738 MAX3740A MAX3996	Improved Performance and Features
MAX3296	This product is Not Recommended for New Designs. Some versions may be No Longer Available or being discontinued and subject to Last Time Buy, after which new orders can not be placed. See Ordering Information for details.	MAX3735A MAX3738 MAX3740A MAX3996	Improved Performance and Features
MAX3297	This product is No Longer Available. See Ordering Information for recommended replacements.	MAX3735A MAX3738 MAX3740A MAX3996	Improved Performance and Features
MAX3298	This product is No Longer Available. See Ordering Information for recommended replacements.	MAX3735A MAX3738 MAX3740A MAX3996	Improved Performance and Features
MAX3299	This product is Not Recommended for New Designs. See Ordering Information for recommended replacements.	MAX3735A MAX3738 MAX3740A MAX3996	Improved Performance and Features

The MAX3286/MAX3296 series of products are high-speed laser drivers for fiber optic LAN transmitters optimized for Gigabit Ethernet applications. Each device contains a bias generator, laser modulator, and comprehensive safety features. Automatic power control (APC) adjusts the laser bias current to maintain average optical power at a constant level, regardless of changes in temperature or laser properties. For lasers without a monitor photodiode, these products offer a constant-current mode. The circuit can be configured for use with conventional shortwave (780nm to 850nm) or longwave (1300nm) laser diodes, as well as vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs).

The MAX3286 series (MAX3286–MAX3289) is optimized for operation at 1.25Gbps, and the MAX3296 series (MAX3296–MAX3299) is optimized for 2.5Gbps operation. Each device can switch 30mA of laser modulation current at the specified data rate. Adjustable temperature compensation is provided to keep the optical extinction ratio within specifications over the operating temperature range. This series of devices is optimized to drive lasers packaged in low-cost TO-46 headers. Deterministic jitter (DJ) for the MAX3286 is typically 22ps, allowing a 72% margin to Gigabit Ethernet DJ specifications.

These laser drivers provide extensive safety features to guarantee single-point fault tolerance. Safety features include dual enable inputs, dual shutdown circuits, and a laser-power monitor. The safety circuit detects faults that could cause dangerous light output levels. A programmable power-on reset pulse initializes the laser driver at startup.

The MAX3286/MAX3296 are available in a compact, 5mm x 5mm, 28-pin QFN or thin QFN package; a 5mm x 5mm, 32-pin TQFP package; or in die form. The MAX3287/MAX3288/MAX3289 and MAX3297/MAX3298/MAX3299 are available in a 16-pin TSSOP-EP package.

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