"..Elantec Semiconductor, Inc. is now shipping the EL6258C, a new highly-integrated, high-speed laser driver that joins the successful Elantec family of ICs targeted at the rapidly growing CD-R and CD-R/W optical disk markets.

Elantec has integrated the automatic power control amplifier (APC) with the high frequency modulator (HFM) oscillator in the EL6258C, which enables OEMs to build next generation R/W speed optical storage products. The EL6258C integrates the high-speed APC with the three current channels needed for the read, erase, and write laser drive power levels. These laser power levels are compliant with the Orange Specification Standard for CD-R and CD-R/W write strategy formats. In addition, the EL6258C also integrates the high frequency modulator (HFM) oscillator with the high-speed laser driver output, eliminating the need for an external op amp on the OPU, according to Steve Sacarisen, Director Strategic Marketing, Optical Products Group.

"Integration of the high-speed APC amplifier with the laser driver eliminates the need for any external op amps, and also reduces the signal routing between the laser diode and the laser power sense diode,'' Sacarisen said. "The net result is that these features help reduce part and manufacturing costs, save board space and shorten design time. Using the EL6258C, designers can achieve 12 times typical R/W speeds for CD-R/W type drives.''

Pricing for the EL6258C is $3.60 in 1,000-unit quantities. The EL6258C is available in the 24-pin QSOP package and is in production now.." NULL