Hybrid distributed driver

A distributed driver for an optic signal generator comprising:

• a driver input configured to receive an input signal;
• an output configured to provide an output signal from the distributed driver;
• a first amplifier cell comprising a first amplifier cell input, one or more amplifiers, and a first amplifier cell output, the first amplifier cell configured to receive and amplify the input signal to create a first amplified signal on the first amplifier cell output;
• a second amplifier cell comprising a second amplifier cell input, one or more amplifiers, and a second amplifier cell output, the second amplifier cell configured to receive and amplify the input signal or a delayed input signal to create a second amplified signal on the second amplifier cell output;
• an output conductive path connecting the driver output to the first amplifier cell output and the second amplifier cell output, the output conductive path carrying the first amplified signal and the second amplifier signal to the driver output, such that an inductance of the output conductive path combines with capacitance loading from the first amplifier cell and the second amplifier cell to form a transmission line LC segment;
• and
• an input conductive path connecting the driver input to the first amplifier cell input and the second amplifier cell input, the input conductive path carrying the input signal to the first amplifier cell and the second amplifier cell such that the input conductive path includes one or more adjustable differential delay units that match delays associated with the output conductive path, wherein the adjustable differential delay units include an adjustable current source, wherein the current source is:
• located at a top of an inverter circuit and an opposing terminal of the current source connects to an analog bias signal, and as the bias signal is adjusted the amount of delay provided by the circuit is adjusted, or the adjustable current source is placed on a bottom of the inverter circuit and used to control the delay of the cell by varying the current.

A method for amplifying, with a distributed amplifier, an input signal for driving an optic signal generator, the method comprising:

• receiving the input signal;
• distributing the input signal to two or more amplifier cells over an input path, and selectively delaying the input signal, as it passes along the input path, with two or more adjustable differential buffers to match delays associated with the output conductive path, wherein the adjustable differential buffers include an adjustable current source, wherein the current source is:
• located at a top of an inverter circuit and an opposing terminal of the current source connects to an analog bias signal, and as the bias signal is adjusted the amount of delay provided by the circuit is adjusted, or the adjustable current source is placed on a bottom of the inverter circuit and used to control the delay of the cell by varying the current;
• amplifying the input signal with the two or more amplifier cells to generate amplified output signals;
• combining the amplified output signals from the two or more amplifiers on an output path, the output path having an inductance that cancels a parasitic capacitance of the two or more amplifier cells, such that the delay introduced by selectively delaying matches delay introduced by the inductance in the output path;
• and
• presenting the amplified output signal on an output from the distributed amplifier, the output connected to the output path.