Phyworks enhances FTTx GEPON reference-design

The aim of monitoring laser-output power is to streamline field maintenance procedures and reduce equipment downtime.

This reference design can be based on either Phyworks's PHY1078 or PHY2078 burst mode transceivers.

It uses a simple external monitoring circuit in conjunction with new microcontroller firmware, GUI and the transceiver's internal digital bias control loop, to measure in real-time and display transmit power.

The reference design supports the design of SFF-8472 standard compliant GEPON modules and provides shutdown protection in the event of a transmission fault.

If an alarm is triggered, the monitor circuit disables the laser to prevent a faulty optical network module from blocking other users on the network.

The transceiver chip's internal digital bias control loop removes the need for external sample-and-hold circuits.

The internal digital sampling avoids switched external capacitors and improves power-measurement accuracy compared with more complex circuits.

Phyworks is supporting the new reference design with schematics, a bill of materials, firmware and evaluation boards.