5 Gbps 0.35-/spl mu/m CMOS driver for laser diode or optical modulator

This paper presents a versatile driver for laser diode or optical modulator using a 0.35-/spl mu/m CMOS process. In this driver, a quasi push-pull source follower is introduced. Combined with a dynamic amplification technique, the driver's slew rate and output voltage swing are increased; meanwhile the overshoot is efficiently reduced. The driver works well at 2.5 Gbps under 3.3 V and 5 V supply voltage, consuming typical power of 310 mW and 945 mW respectively. It can give a modulation voltage (with 50-/spl Omega/ load) ranging from 0.55 V/sub P-P/ to 4.2 V/sub P-P/ under 3.3 V supply voltage and 0.6 V/sub p-p/ to 6.2 V/sub P-P/ under 5 V supply voltage, therefore it can be used as a laser diode or optical modulator driver. When the driver was tested with a LiNbO/sub 3/ modulator, clear optical eye diagrams were measured at 2.5 Gbps and 5 Gbps, respectively. The die area is 0.57 mm/sup 2/.