Optical Pickup Chipset Achieves the Industry’s Fastest CD-R/RW Write Speed

CXA2660N/CXA2663N
CXA2652EM/AEM/BEM
The increases in CD-R write speeds have been phenom-
enal and currently rival playback speeds.
Sony has now developed both a photodetector IC (PDIC)
that achieves the industry’s fastest write speed and an IC
that monitors the laser power during write operations by
taking maximum advantage of the process technologies
of which Sony is so proud.
These ICs, which provide the top performance level in
the industry, enable the implementation of CD-R/RW
optical pickups with the industry’s highest write speed.
CXA2660N/CXA2663N
RF/Servo PDIC
■ Supports high-speed CD-R writing
■ Built-in WRF output function: CXA2660N
■ Built-in gain switching function (8 dB): CXA2663N
■ Miniature transparent 14-pin molded package
(Straight lead and surface mounting packages)
CXA2652EM/AEM/BEM
Laser Front Monitor
■ Built-in chip capacitors (1005)
■ Photodetectors in a wide range of sizes
■ Miniature 6-pin side through hole COB package

CXA2660N both straight lead and surface mounting CXA2652EM/AEM/BEM

The CXA2660N is a photodetector IC
(PDIC) that detects the light reflected from
the disc. This device provides pulse
response characteristics (see table 1) that
allow applications to achieve high-speed
write operations. One feature of this
device is that in addition to an RRF output
pin used for RD signal detection during
playback, it also provides a WRF output
pin used for laser power detection during
writing. To improve the FPC (flexible
printed circuit) transmission characteris-
tics, this device is provided with a limiter
function for amplitude limitation for each
servo signal. It is provided in a miniature
transparent 14-pin molded package (in
V O I C E mounting versions) and has a structure that
We had to work around the clock
for each IC in this chip set to cre-
ate this truly “sleepless” optical
pickup chip set, which supports
the industry’s fastest CD-R drives.
We reviewed Sony’s previously
developed technologies down to
the last detail to achieve the high-
est speeds possible. I strongly rec-
ommend that you put this chipset
in your next product’s “laser spot-
light.”
versions) and has a structure that can with-
The CXA2652 Series products are photo-
stand reflow soldering (under stipulated
detectors (front monitors) that are used to
conditions).
monitor the laser power during write op-
erations. Since these devices include a
CXA2663N
built-in I-V amplifier, they have a low
Like the CXA2660N, the CXA2663N is output impedance and provide a stable
a PDIC that detects light reflected from output. They are provided in a 6-pin side
the disc and provides pulse response through hole miniature COB (chip-on-
characteristics (see table 1) that allow board) package (3.2 mm × 4.5 mm). A chip
applications to achieve high-speed write capacitor (1005) is included within the
operations. This device inherits the gain package making these devices optimal for
switching function from the CXA2636N optical pickups, which have limited
and CXA2637N, and can both prevent mounting space.
output voltage saturation during high-
speed writing as well as prevent signal-
to-noise ratio degradation in playback
mode. This device is also provided in a
miniature transparent 14-pin molded pack-
age (in both straight lead and surface
can withstand reflow soldering (under
stipulated conditions).
 Disc

0
13
Objective
lens

30

E
0
13

F
30

B
D
0
13

A
Beam spliter
Grating

G
CXA2652EM/AEM/BEM
45 deg.

H
60 1
Laser diode Top view

∗ The photodetector pattern of the CXA2663N is identical to

CXA2660N/2663N that of the earlier product, the CXA2637N.

■ Figure 1 Optical Pickup Structure ■ Figure 3 CXA2660N Photodetector Pattern Dimensions

900 Ω

Vcc 1 14 GND Vcc 1 6 VOUT

0.1 µF
h g 200 Ω
H 2 13 G Vc 2 5
VIN
×3 ×3 4.4 kΩ
VLIM VLIM 0.1 µF VR
1.2k 1.2k
A' D' GND 3
4
a d Photodiode IVOUT
A 3 12 D
×3 ×3
VLIM VLIM
1.2k 1.2k
B' C'
b c
B 4 11 C
×3 ×3 ■ Figure 4 CXA2652EN/AEN/BEN Block Diagram
VLIM VLIM
1.2k 1.2k
f e
F 5 10 E
×3 ×3
VLIM VLIM
1.2k 1.2k
A ■ Table 1 CXA2660N and CXA2663N Pulse Response
Vc 6
B
9 RRF Characteristics
C ×1
D
RRF = A + B + C + D Slew rate Settling
100k CXA2660N 400 V/µs 12 ns for a 1.9 V amplitude
A'
VLIM 7
B'
8 WRF CXA2663N 10 ns for a 1.5 V amplitude
×0.2625 350 V/µs
C'
D'
WRF = (A' + B' + C' + D') × 0.2625

* The block diagram of the CXA2663N is identical to that of

the earlier product, the CXA2637N.
■ Table 2 CXA2652EN/AEN/BEN Photodetector Pattern
Dimensions (diameter)
CXA2652EM 0.70 mm
■ Figure 2 CXA2660N Block Diagram CXA2652AEM 0.36 mm
CXA2652BEM 0.47 mm