Sensitivity improvement techniques for high-speed burst-mode photoreceivers

This paper discusses ongoing experimental research involving the design of novel architectures applicable to high-speed burst-mode photoreceivers. A novel GaAs transimpedance amplifier is described. The design uses a common-gate (C-G) configuration combined with a parallel feedback at the input stage providing low input current noise, high transimpedance and wide dynamic range. Sensitivity analysis are performed and solutions to overcome speed limitations due to noise at the receiver´s input for burst-mode operation are proposed