"...Elantec Semiconductor today announced the new EL6287C which is a next-generation laser diode driver that replaces its predecessor, the EL6257C at a lower cost and with improved performance. With the 0.8nsec tr/tf response time and low cost CMOS design of the EL6287C, Elantec continues to introduce laser drivers that enable optical disk drive OEMs to develop even faster CD read/write (R/W) speeds in their newest optical disk drives. The highest speed on the market today is 10X. Using the EL6287C, OEMs can increase the R/W factor to almost 20X, virtually cutting in half the fastest R/W times available today.

The EL6287C integrates the four current channels needed for the read, erase, bias and write laser drive power levels. To reduce laser read noise and eliminate the need for an external oscillator-enable signal, the EL6287C integrates the high frequency modulator (HFM) oscillator with an automatic turn-off feature that assures precision turn-off of the HFM during the write channel enable. This level of integration lowers costs by reducing component count, decreases design time by reducing signal routing, and occupies less board space, thus enabling compact design. The EL6287C is priced at $2.50 in 10,000-piece quantities and is available in a 24-pin QSOP package. Production lead-time is 8-10 weeks..." NULL