30 Gbit/s 1.7 pJ/bit common-cathode tunable 850-nm-VCSEL driver in 28 nm digital CMOS

Abstract

A common-cathode VCSEL driver implemented in 28-nm digital CMOS, assembled with a commercial VCSEL is presented. Electro-optical measurements show 30-Gbit/s operation with 1.7-pJ/bit from 2.9-V supply. When operated at 15-Gbit/s the power can be reduced while maintaining the modulation amplitude. Power/datarate tunability is demonstrated.