Characterization of a variable bit-rate receiver for applications in WDM/WDMA systems

A receiver optimized for a range of bit rates is desirable for full protocol transparent operations in WDM and WDMA systems. In order for a receiver to be optimally configured for a range of bit rates, the transimpedance of the preamplifier needs to be tunable. Here, we report the characteristics of a receiver whose performance can be optimized for bit rates ranging from 300 to 1,500 Mbps. The receiver is part of an eight-channel receiver array. The other seven receivers use passive feedback resistors in the transimpedance amplifiers.