Anritsu Launches 140 Gbaud PAM4 Wideband/High-Output (2 Vpp) Linear Amplifier

Anritsu Corporation has started sales from July 24 of its AH15199B 140 Gbaud Wideband/High-Output (2 Vpp) Linear Amplifier^*1 developed to evaluate optical transmissions devices in the generation of beyond 1 Tera.

This new linear amplifier features a wideband frequency response of 200 kHz to 135 GHz at a –6 dB bandwidth and can amplify 140 Gbaud PAM4^*2 signals to 2.0 Vpp. The high-gain^*3 amplification of +15.5 dB and low jitter^*4 fluctuation of 300 fs from the actual signal timing support amplification of even high-quality input signals attenuated during transmission.

Furthermore, the AH15199B can amplify 140 Gbaud PAM4 signals from various signal sources, such as DSP^*5, and can directly drive modulators and other devices requiring high amplitude. Therefore, it is a suitable driver for evaluating optical modulators for 800GbE and 1.6TbE digital coherent^*6 system, now the focus of attention as next-generation transmission systems, as well as for IM-DD^*7 systems used widely in optical communications.

Anritsu is meeting customers’ needs by selling this wideband linear amplifier supporting the growth and smooth operation of high-speed networks.

Development Background

Mobile data traffic is increasing with the growth of AI, machine learning, and other services, but further increases in communication speeds for servers and network devices are a major challenge.

The next-generation Ethernet standard IEEE802.3 supporting high-speed networks will use digital coherent methods, such as 800GBASE-LR1 (for 10 km), 800GBASE-ER1-20 (for 20 km), and 800GBASE-ER1 (for 40 km), as well as the IM-DD method. The OIF (Optical Internetworking Forum) is studying specifications for optical transmission technologies, such as 800ZR, 1600ZR, as well as coherent technology to support increased optical network capacity and accelerate growth of “beyond 1 Terahertz” systems. 

On the other hand, higher transmission speeds suffer larger signal attenuation, so a high-power linear driver is needed to amplify PAM signals faithfully and drive modulators directly.

Product Outline

The AH15199B high-power linear amplifier supports evaluation of 2.0 Vpp signals at 140 Gbaud PAM4 for high-speed, high-output data transmissions at a low maximum power consumption of 1.5 W. A 140 Gbaud data speed equals 140 billion signal changes per second.

The standard, small, dedicated power supply reduces the risk of damage from incorrect handling.