A 16Gb/s Triple-Mode Driver in 0.18μm CMOS Technology

A large swing 16Gb/s triple-mode driver in 0.18 $\mu$ m technology is presented. The driver can transform the working configuration according to the application requirements to drive the modulator (MOD), Transmitter Optical Subassembly (TOSA) and laser diode (LD), respectively, with corresponding operating current in each mode to reduce power consumption. The driver employs open drain topology to maximize the modulation swing, and shunt peaking inductors to increase the bandwidth. The driver is able to deliver a maximum modulation current of 67mA and 100mA when driving TOSA and LD, consuming 216mW. When driving MOD, it delivers 2Vpp maximum modulation voltage, consuming only 132mW. The bandwidth in all modes is sufficient for 16Gb/s signal operation.