Candidate: Ray Cui
Date: November 5, 2024
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: E5 5047
Supervisor: Long, John
Abstract:
This development of a high-speed broadband driver prototype for optical data centre interconnects is presented. The application requires high data throughput with low power consumption.
The focus is on the multi-stage modulator driver and double-series peaking network designs for coherent optical transmission at data rates exceeding 400 Gb/s per wavelength. Key design considerations include: achieving 90-GHz bandwidth and 4-Vppd linear output swing, with minimal DC power consumption for efficient operation. The driver employs new circuit configurations, such as a Class-A output stage with intermodulation distortion cancellation to enhance linearity across frequencies. The design methodology for the double-series peaking network is summarized, demonstrating amplitude peaking and bandwidth extension. Areas for further optimization, including temperature stability and adaptive gain control are also outlined.
A collaboration with industry partners that has supported the design of a 4-channel driver for coherent optical communications using polarization modulation is also described briefly.