Elantec Semiconductor, today introduced the EL6240C, an innovative new dual laser driver designed specifically for ``combi'' drives, which combine CD-R/RW and DVD-ROM optical read and write into one optical drive function. The EL6240C is a single IC that provides dual laser driver outputs, one for the CD read or read/write (R/RW) laser, and a separate laser driver for the DVD read (ROM) laser. The EL6240C will deliver CD write speeds beyond the 20X range, which will enable a full 650-megabyte CD to be copied in about 12 minutes. The EL6240C is compliant with the Orange Specification Standard for recording CD-R and CD-R/RW write strategy formats. The CD laser output of the EL6240C provides the three current channels needed for the read, erase, and write laser drive power levels. The DVD laser output provides the read current for the DVD read function. The EL6240C provides two high frequency modulator (HFM) oscillators; each with an independent external resistor for setting the oscillator frequency and amplitude required by the CD and DVD laser outputs. This feature can be used to reduce laser noise in both the CD and DVD read modes. The EL6240C also integrates a fast settling I:V pre-amplifier that can be used for CD and DVD power monitoring up to 16X CD-R.

Pricing for the EL6240C is $2.50 in 10,000-unit quantities. The EL6240CU is available in the QSOP24 package, while the EL6240CL is packaged in the LPP24. Production lead times are 10-12 weeks.