On‐chip temperature compensation for optical transmitter modules

On‐chip temperature compensation (TC) for optical transmitter (Tx) modules is reported. The TC block is integrated in common silicon (Si)‐substrate with the Tx and demonstrates the ability to maintain a constant VCSEL output light power without an additional monitoring photodiode. Designed and fabricated in a 0.13 µm technology, the Tx with a TC block operates at up to 5 Gbit/s. A BER of less than 10− 12 is achieved at a received input power of − 3 dBm, with a 1.3 dBm variation of received power for a temperature increase of 20–100°C at 5 Gbit/s data rate. The percentage error of the temperature compensated Tx output light power is ± 3%. The Tx module consumes a power of 20 mW at 1.3 V, including the TC block.