Generic Printed Circuit Layout Rules for Low-Cost Fiber Optic Components - App Note

Avago Technologies' discrete fiber-optic components have been used to construct high-performance optical transmitters and receivers for numerous cost-sensitive LAN, telecom, industrial, and proprietary point-to-point data communication applications. When using discrete fiber-optic components the layout of the printed circuit board will have a significant impact upon the performance of the optical transmitter and receiver. A printed circuit board layout for inexpensive, high-performance fiber-optic transceivers can usually be developed in one design cycle, using the generic rules described in this publication. Avago Technologies manufactures a broad range of discrete transmitter, receiver, and transceiver components suited for use with a wide variety of fiber-optic cables and connectors. Discrete transmitter components have integral LED or LASER optical emitters, lens assemblies, and housings that mate with industry-standard fiber-optic connectors. This publication will focus upon discrete transmitters implemented with planar- and edge-emitting LEDs. Discrete LED transmitters have been successfully designed into a wide range of data communication applications. This technology is popular because discrete LEDs can meet tough performance, reliability, and cost targets when used in conjunction with very simple, inexpensive circuitry. Discussions regarding the use of discrete LASER transmitters are beyond the scope of this application note.