Comparison of Output Drivers for High-Speed Serial Links

A comparison between the performance of a current-mode differential signaling driver and a voltage mode driver for high-speed (HS) serial links is presented. Minimum power consumption, minimum area, minimum added jitter, and maximum immunity to power supply noise are the main figures of merit. Both drivers employ on-chip termination to eliminate reflections and pre-emphasis to reduce inter-symbol-interference (ISI) in order to enhance signal integrity and operating speed. They are implemented in 0.13 μm CMOS process using 1.2-V power supply. Both drivers support multiple output voltages and pre-emphasis ratios.