A 3.3 V 20-channel 500 Mb/s/ch optical receiver with integrated optical detectors in 1.2 mm GaAs

System area networks (SAN) for clustered computer system architecture allow flexible growth with lower cost. SANs require high-interconnect bandwidth and long interframe distances and smaller cable bulk. Copper wire technology is beginning to show limitations in signal integrity, cost, and size. For optical interconnects to displace copper, low-cost technology is critical. Optical fiber links using large core multimode step index fiber and plastic leadframe packaging are cost-competitive with copper but present a unique set of challenges for the supporting circuits. This 3.3 V 20-channel optical receiver is for use in a low cost optical link.