Product introduction of GaAs multiplex ICs in a Gb/s fiber link transmission system

A successful application of GaAs MSI standard-cell ICs (integrated circuits) has been demonstrated in a lightwave transmission system that has been in production for well over a year. Specifically, a two-chip GaAs chip set was designed, modified, and validated for operation in a lightwave transmission system over the commercial equipment temperature range of 0-70 degrees C. One IC is used as a 12:1 multiplexer and retime element in a 1.13-Gb/s optical transmitter, while the second contains a data-slicer, clock recovery phase detector, and 1:12 demultiplexer for the companion 1.13-Gb/s optical receiver. The author presents a case study of the program-related experiences of designing and integrating GaAs circuits into a production system. An overview of the program timing and scheduling, design analysis and reviews, relevant design cycle times, simulation checkpoints, and the relationship of system requirements to device partitioning is given.<
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