Patent ID: 7177547

Claim:
An integrated post-amplifier and laser driver assembly for use in conjunction with an optical receiver and an optical transmitter, comprising: a post-amplifier assembly configured for communication with the optical receiver; a laser driver assembly implemented together with the post-amplifier in a single IC and including a means for controlling signal polarity, and the laser driver assembly being configured for communication with the optical transmitter; and a digital control interface in at least indirect communication with the post-amplifier assembly and the laser driver assembly, wherein the means for controlling signal polarity implements a process comprising: receiving a signal that includes first and second propagation paths; determining whether or not a polarity of the signal conforms with a predetermined criterion; modifying the signal, if required, by adjusting the polarity of the signal so as to produce a modified signal having a polarity that conforms with the predetermined criterion; and transmitting the modified signal.