Design considerations for high-speed optical modulator driver amplifiers using HBTs

Hsin Hsing Liao; Shutong T. Zhou; I. Sakamoto; Peter M. Asbeck; Paul K. L. Yu; William S. C. Chang; Kenneth D. Pedrotti; P. J. Zampardi

doi:10.1117/12.175258

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2 May 1994 Design considerations for high-speed optical modulator driver amplifiers using HBTs

Hsin Hsing Liao, Shutong T. Zhou, I. Sakamoto, Peter M. Asbeck, Paul K. L. Yu, William S. C. Chang, Kenneth D. Pedrotti, P. J. Zampardi

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Proceedings Volume 2149, Technologies for Optical Fiber Communications; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.175258
Event: OE/LASE '94, 1994, Los Angeles, CA, United States

Abstract

To implement high-bandwidth optical analog or digital communication links based on optical modulators, ultrahigh performance modulator driver amplifiers are required. Design considerations for such amplifiers are discussed here. Designs are significantly different than for laser driver amplifiers. For modulator drivers, an emitter follower output stage is appropriate. Active pull-down circuitry is beneficial to reduce power dissipation in a digital driver. Inductive tuning is beneficial to extend frequency response. Flip-chip mounting is beneficial to reduce bonding parasitic capacitance. Examples are given for driver designs for 10Gbit/s digital applications, and for 20GHz analog links, employing GaAs/AlGaAs HBT technology.

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Hsin Hsing Liao, Shutong T. Zhou, I. Sakamoto, Peter M. Asbeck, Paul K. L. Yu, William S. C. Chang, Kenneth D. Pedrotti, and P. J. Zampardi "Design considerations for high-speed optical modulator driver amplifiers using HBTs", Proc. SPIE 2149, Technologies for Optical Fiber Communications, (2 May 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.175258

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