Modified feedback ECL gate for Gb/s applications

This paper introduces a modification of the feedback emitter-coupled logic (FECL) gate that makes it suitable for Gb/s applications. The circuit can be used as a single-ended-to-differential signal converter without the need for an external reference voltage and finds application in digital optical links in which data is typically transmitted single ended. The gate is compared with FECL and ECL gates, and its application to realize logic functions is discussed. A 6-Gb/s series gated decision circuit and a 2-Gbaud/s four-channel optical receiver array employing modified FECL gates are also described.