San Jose, CA—August 28, 2012—Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) has introduced a 40G transmitter chipset that delivers four times the data processing speed to data centers with ultra-low power consumption while maintaining a size comparable to conventional single-channel products. This new four-channel 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ chipset consists of the MAX3948 DC coupling laser driver and the DS4830 optical microcontroller.

Data centers and data communication networks need to sufficiently increase data density without exceeding limited power budgets. Maxim's QSFP+ transmitter solution addresses both of these challenges. The QSFP+ module provides four times the data processing speed at only 1.5 times the size of a single-channel SFP+ solution. At the same time, Maxim's chipset reduces power consumption per channel for 4 x 10Gbps QSFP+ modules compared to single SFP+ modules. Service providers and network operators can now fully leverage the benefits of low-power solutions that extend system lifetime while reducing operational costs and conserving critical energy resources.

MAX3948 Key Advantages
Power consumption below 2W across four transmit channels, lower than a 3.5W QSFP+ module
DC coupling laser interface (patent pending, application number 13/352,011) reduces power consumption and the number of external components

DS4830 Key Advantages
Integrated dedicated round-robin 13-bit ADC reduces load on the 16-bit microcontroller core and lowers clock speed, achieving 75mW to 100mW savings compared to competitive solutions
One-cycle MAC (multiply accumulator) enables fast filter calculation of the DS4830 and easy maintenance of four APC (average power control) loops

Interview:
Karen Liu, senior analyst at Ovum, stated "Power consumption has recently emerged as the most critical single constraint in data centers," adding "Power consumption limits density and performance, which in turn determines cost. Maxim's chip innovation addresses this critical issue."
Andrew Sharratt, senior business manager at Maxim Integrated Products, said "The MAX3948 and DS4830 demonstrate Maxim's innovative approach to integration. This chipset solves power density limitations in data center interconnections by utilizing DC coupling to the laser," and added "This transmitter solution meets all QSFP+ requirements while minimizing power consumption."

Product Availability
MAX3948
Available in 3mm x 3mm, 16-pin TQFN package
Operates in temperature range from -40°C to +95°C

DS4830
Available in 5mm x 5mm, 40-pin TQFN package

For more information, click here. High-resolution images are available here. Reference designs are available upon request.