Continuous-Time Linear Equalizer for Multigigabit Transmission Through SI-POF in Factory Area Networks

This letter presents a new complimentary metal-oxide-semiconductor analog continuous-time equalizer aimed to compensate the limited frequency response of step-index polymer optical fiber (SI-POF), a transmission medium very attractive for industrial applications as factory automation and process control networks because of its cost and immunity to electromagnetic interference. The structure overcomes the limitations of the most widely used continuous-time equalizer, the degenerated differential pair, for 1-V supply voltage. The linear equalizer has been proved for multigigabit short-range applications targeting up to 2 Gb/s through a 50-m SI-POF. The prototype consumes 2.7 mW.