Abstract: Methods and processes are disclosed for calibrating optoelectronic devices, such as optoelectronic transceivers and optoelectronic receivers, based upon an avalanche photodiode breakdown voltage. In general, the method involves adjusting a reverse-bias voltage of the avalanche photodiode until avalanche breakdown of the avalanche photodiode occurs. An optimized APD reverse-bias voltage is then determined by reducing the reverse-bias voltage at which avalanche breakdown occurs by a predetermined offset voltage. This process is performed at a variety of different temperatures. Information concerning each temperature and the corresponding optimized APD reverse-bias voltage is stored in a memory of the optoelectronic device.

Abstract: A controller for controlling the reverse-bias voltage of an avalanche photodiode in a transceiver or receiver. The controller includes memory for storing information related to the avalanche photodiode, and analog to digital conversion circuitry for receiving an analog signal corresponding to the temperature of the avalanche photodiode, converting the received analog signal into a digital value, and storing the digital value in a predefined location within the memory. Control circuitry in the controller controls the operation of the avalanche photodiode and a temperature lookup table store in the memory. A serial interface enables a host device to read from and write to locations within the memory. The invention also controls the reverse-bias voltage of an avalanche photodiode in a transceiver or receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for setting the AC and DC bias levels of a laser diode in an optoelectronic transceiver so as to control the device's extinction ratio. An optical output of the transceiver is looped back to an optical input of the transceiver. The method includes setting a DC bias level for the laser diode, setting an AC bias level for the laser diode to each of a predefined sequence of AC bias level settings, and receiving from the transceiver a sequence of optical output power measurements, the sequence of optical output power measurements including an average optical output power measurement corresponding to each of the AC bias level settings in the predefined sequence. From the received sequence of optical output power measurements preferred AC and DC bias level settings are determined and stored in the transceiver so as to control the AC and DC bias levels of the laser diode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for setting the AC and DC bias levels of a laser diode in an optoelectronic transceiver so as to control the device's extinction ratio. An optical output of the transceiver is looped back to an optical input of the transceiver. The method includes setting a DC bias level for the laser diode, setting an AC bias level for the laser diode to each of a predefined sequence of AC bias level settings, and receiving from the transceiver a sequence of optical output power measurements, the sequence of optical output power measurements including an average optical output power measurement corresponding to each of the AC bias level settings in the predefined sequence. From the received sequence of optical output power measurements preferred AC and DC bias level settings are determined and stored in the transceiver so as to control the AC and DC bias levels of the laser diode.

Abstract: A controller for controlling the reverse-bias voltage of an avalanche photodiode in a transceiver or receiver. The controller includes memory for storing information related to the avalanche photodiode, and analog to digital conversion circuitry for receiving an analog signal corresponding to the temperature of the avalanche photodiode, converting the received analog signal into a digital value, and storing the digital value in a predefined location within the memory. Control circuitry in the controller controls the operation of the avalanche photodiode in accordance with the digital value corresponding to the temperature of the avalanche photodiode and a temperature lookup table stored in the memory. A serial interface is provided to enable a host device to read from and write to locations within the memory.