MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings, Inc.
Optical transmitter input resistance measurement and encoder/driver modulation current configuration techniques

Abstract:

Techniques for automatically determining an input resistance of an optical modulator and configuring a modulation current source can include applying a first bias current to an input of the optical transmitter and measuring a corresponding first voltage at the input of the optical transmitter. A second bias current can also be applied to the input of the optical transmitter and a corresponding second voltage at the input of the optical transmitter can be measured. An input resistance of the specific optical transmitter can be determined from the difference between the first and second voltages divided by the difference between the first and second bias currents. The technique can further include setting one or more configuration settings in one or more registers of a modulation current source based on the determined input resistance of the optical transmitter. Thereafter, the output modulation current for driving the specific optical transmitter can be configured based on the one or more configuration settings in the one or more registers.