Burst-mode optical receiver ICs for broadband access networks

This paper provides an overview of burst-mode optical receiver ICs for broadband access networks. A passive optical network (PON) system is a cost-effective broadband access system whose use has been spreading worldwide. A key device in such a system is an optical receiver IC with a quick response and high sensitivity that realizes high efficiency in data transmission. This paper also reports burst-mode optical receiver ICs fabricated using 0.25-μm SiGe BiCMOS technologies for a 10G-EPON system, which is a promising access network for a next generation PON system. It features fast gain and offset controls for burst-mode operation. The results show that SiGe BiCMOS can provide high performance and cost-effective receiver ICs for 10G-class PON systems.