7 VPP Modulator-Driver for 40 Gbit/s Optical Communications

The high frequency, high power performance of a modulator driver based on a dual input travelling wave amplifier (combiner) is reported. Measured output terminal voltages greater than 7 Vpp have been achieved. Although the results are intermediate in some respect, the simulated as well as the measured data indicate that the driver circuit is suitable for a bit rate of 40 Gbit/s. Simulation results obtained for an improved circuit which contains an active divider also indicate even better performance at operation with single input voltage