Patent ID: 7127177

Claim:
An integrated post-amplifier and laser driver assembly, comprising: a post-amplifier assembly configured to receive a digital input data signal from an optical receiver; a laser driver assembly implemented together with the post-amplifier assembly in a single IC and configured to transmit an output data signal; and a digital control interface in at least indirect communication with the post-amplifier assembly and the laser driver assembly, the digital control interface receiving a control signal that includes instructions and parameter values for the post-amplifier assembly and the laser driver assembly, wherein the post-amplifier assembly and the laser driver assembly each receive at least one of the instructions and parameter values through one or more digital to analog converters, and wherein the post-amplifier assembly comprises: a first amplifier configured to implement changes, in accordance with the control signal, to at least one of: the polarity of the input digital data signal received by the post-amplifier assembly from the optical receiver; the rise time of the input data signal received by the post-amplifier assembly from the optical receiver; and the amplitude of the input data signal received by the post-amplifier assembly from the optical receiver; and a second amplifier that includes hysteresis and threshold inputs and is configured to generate feedback concerning the input data signal received by the post-amplifier assembly from the optical receiver.