Patent ID: 6560258
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A laser diode data switch that responds to data pulses and a first input current by providing modulation current pulses which can generate corresponding light pulses in a laser diode wherein said data pulses are defined by first and second pulse levels, the switch comprising:a bias current mirror that mirrors a bias current to an output port of said bias current mirror in response to said first input current; a modulation current source that generates a second input current; a modulation current mirror connected to receive said second input current at a modulation current mirror input and, in response, mirror a modulation current to said output port wherein said modulation current mirror has a current gain n that is greater than one; and a modulation differential pair of transistors coupled to steer said second input current away from said modulation current mirror input in response to said first pulse levels; said modulation current pulses thereby mirrored to said output port during said second pulse levels.