In this paper, we present a high-linearity driver for a Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM), capable of supporting 112 Gbp/s with PAM4 signaling. Implemented in 12 nm FinFET technology, the driver achieves a 3.8 V peak-to-peak differential output swing, significantly above the nominal 0.9 V technology core voltage. The output stage operates from a 3.6 V supply and employs a stacked double-cascoded CMOS inverter composed of three NFET and three PFET devices, achieving both high swing and linearity, while ensuring 10-years device reliability. The design includes a pre-driver offering 10 dB of gain adjustment and a peaking control circuit. The total power consumption is 280 mW (2.5pJ/bit). This architecture enables full analog-digital co-integration, eliminating the need for a dedicated optical driver chip in next-generation optical links.
A 112Gb/s PAM4 Mach-Zehnder modulator Driver in 12nm FinFET with 3.8 V Output Swing for Analog-Digital Co-Integration
Giovanni Marco Rubino;Alessio De Prà;Danilo Manstretta
2025-01-01
Abstract
In this paper, we present a high-linearity driver for a Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM), capable of supporting 112 Gbp/s with PAM4 signaling. Implemented in 12 nm FinFET technology, the driver achieves a 3.8 V peak-to-peak differential output swing, significantly above the nominal 0.9 V technology core voltage. The output stage operates from a 3.6 V supply and employs a stacked double-cascoded CMOS inverter composed of three NFET and three PFET devices, achieving both high swing and linearity, while ensuring 10-years device reliability. The design includes a pre-driver offering 10 dB of gain adjustment and a peaking control circuit. The total power consumption is 280 mW (2.5pJ/bit). This architecture enables full analog-digital co-integration, eliminating the need for a dedicated optical driver chip in next-generation optical links.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
