A 10 Gb/s eye opening monitor IC for decision-guided optimization of the frequency response of an optical receiver

The use of high bit rates for TDM transmissions on long haul fiber links is not only limited by the speed of electronic components but also by problems like fiber dispersion, polarization mode dispersion and fiber nonlinearities, especially if an installed standard fiber is used. An approach to alleviate these problems is the use of electronic signal-processing functions and advanced modulation schemes. This single chip eye opening monitor (EOM) is for use as part of such a signal processing unit. Apart from the data signal, a regenerated clock of arbitrary phase is needed to generate a dc output voltage proportional to the horizontal eye opening with a response time of <1 ms. The IC, in 50 GHz-f/sub T/ SiGe bipolar technology, covers bit rates from 2 to 12.5 Gb/s and dissipates 4.95 W from -5 V.