A 100-MHz, 50-/spl Omega/, -45-dB distortion, 3.3-V CMOS line driver for Ethernet and fast Ethernet networking applications

A fast line driver has been developed for networking applications in a 0.4-/spl mu/ digital CMOS process. It is intended to drive cables with large, low-distortion sinewaves for 10BASE-T and sharp-edged pulses for 100BASE-T-type data communications. The driver has a fully differential architecture and uses a current-feedback approach to achieve small- as well as large-signal closed-loop bandwidths in excess of 100 MHz. It can drive a 10-MHz, 5-V/sub pp/ sinewave across a 50-/spl Omega/ load from a 3.3-V power supply with a total harmonic distortion of -43 dB. The quiescent power consumption of the driver is 25 mW, while its area is 0.15 mm/sup 2/.