"...Elantec Semiconductor today unveiled its newest high-speed laser driver IC, the EL6242C. As it is an integral part of the optical pickup unit (OPU), the critical design sub-component used in CD-R/W drives, our new EL6242C's compact size and superior performance enable OEMs to develop cutting-edge CD-R/W optical disk drive products with greatly increased read/write (R/W) speeds.

The EL6242C features three current channels needed for the read, erase, and write laser drive power levels, and also integrates an automatic power control amplifier for coupling using an external power monitor diode. The three laser power levels are compliant with the industry-standard Orange Specification for CD-R and CD-R/W write strategy disc formats. In addition, the EL6242C offers external timing control of the integrated high frequency modulation oscillator, which is used to reduce laser read-noise and consequently the read-error rate. This integration reduces component count thereby lowering solution costs, reduces signal routing which shortens design time, and saves space which enables more compact OPU designs.

Pricing for the EL6242C is $2.50 in 10,000-piece quantities. The new ultra-thin 24-LPP package as well as the 24-pin QSOP package are sampling now. Production lead times for both package options is 8-10 weeks..."