10 Gbit/s Silicon Bipolar Laser Driver IC

A 10 Gbit/s silicon bipolar laser driver IC for direct modulation of a laser diode has been developed and fabricated. The adjustable modulation current range is 15 mA - 45 mA. The IC can drive 25 ¿-laser modules via a 25 ¿-line. Typical power dissipation is 1.2 W for a modulation current of 45 mA. The IC is one of the fastest laser driver ICs in silicon. In contrast to most previous works in this field, not only the capability to drive an ohmic load is shown, but also the performance in the case of driving a real laser module.