Silicon bipolar laser and line driver IC with symmetrical output pulse shape operating up to 12 Gbit/s

A silicon bipolar laser and line driver IC with an outstanding symmetry of the (single-ended) output pulse shape is presented. The pulse shape can be optimally adjusted via only two external potentiometers, independent of operating speed and output current range. The circuit, fabricated in a 0.8 μm self-aligned double-polysilicon technology, operates up to 12 Gbit/s.