1997-08-13 , E/IC-831/120

The  BGY67BO optical receiver module, introduced today by Philips Semiconductors, paves the way for the new generation of 2-way hybrid fibre/coax CATV networks required for interactive applications such as Internet service, home shopping and pay-per-view TV. Previous solutions to the fibre/coax interface in the return path have been complex discrete component designs that are costly to produce and difficult to set up. The BGY67BO replaces these discrete-component solutions with a single-module solution in a standard SOT115 CATV amplifier package. Philips Semiconductors, Europe's largest semiconductor company, has also introduced enhanced-performance amplifier modules for use in the forward path of 750 MHz and 860 MHz CATV networks.

"These important new product introductions maintain Philips Semiconductors as the world leader in CATV amplifier modules, with fully integrated solutions for head-end, trunk and subscriber drop applications" said Product Marketing Manager Johan Kluitmans.

The BGY67BO optical receiver features excellent linearity, exceptionally good frequency flatness and an extremely low noise figure, resulting in a high-integrity return path for fibre-based interactive CATV systems. It operates from a standard 24-volt CATV network supply and is fitted with a 1-metre long fibre tail suitable for use at optical wavelengths between 1290 nm and 1600 nm.

The new 750 MHz and 860 MHz amplifier modules introduced by Philips Semiconductors ease problems associated with the expanding length and complexity of coax-based CATV networks. The need to maintain good picture quality (i.e. good signal-to-noise ratio) necessitates the use of closely spaced repeater amplifiers. However, this increases the amount of DC power consumed by the network, and therefore significantly increases operating costs. The  BGD702D and  BGD804's unique combination of high gain, excellent linearity and low power consumption helps CATV operators to minimize these costs.

At 750 MHz, the BGD702D offers better linearity than its predecessor (the BGD702) for the same low power dissipation. Used as a pin-compatible plug-in replacement, it therefore improves picture quality on existing networks. In new networks it means that fewer repeaters are needed, with consequent savings in network power consumption. The BGD702D is also ideal for use as a laser driver in fibre networks.

The BGD804 meets the high power gain requirement with excellent linearity up to 860 MHz, yet consumes no more DC power. In the new generation of CATV networks that carry over 100 TV channels, it offers a significant reduction in the number of repeater amplifiers that are needed.

Technical Specifications

BGY67BO Optical Receiver Module
The  BGY67BO optical receiver's excellent performance is reflected in its -70 dB second order distortion and -80 dB third order distortion specifications, its extremely low equivalent noise figure of 7 pA/ Hz and its exceptional frequency flatness of ±0.3 dB from 5 MHz to 300 MHz. The receiver operates from a standard 24-volt CATV network supply and is provided with a 1-metre long, monomode fibre tail suitable for use at optical wavelengths between 1290 nm and 1600 nm. It is packaged in a standard SOT115 CATV amplifier package and includes a terminal to monitor the pin-diode current.

BGD702D CATV Amplifier Module
In terms of power gain, the  BGD702D has the same gain as the BGD702 (18.5 dB minimum). However, its better linearity is reflected in a 4 dB improvement in composite triple beat and composite second order distortion (-62 dB for the BGD702D compared to -58 dB for the BGD702). Power consumption remains the same as the BGD702 at 435 mA maximum from a 24V supply.

BGD804 CATV Amplifier Module
The  BGD804's key specifications are its 20 dB minimum power gain, -61 dB composite triple beat and 7.5 dB maximum noise figure at 860 MHz. Consuming only 410 mA maximum from a 24 V supply, it is intended for use as a driver for subscriber drop cables. However, it can also be used in other parts of high-performance CATV networks.