Limiting amplifier modulator driver

Apparatus for driving a modulator to modulate multiplexed binary data signals onto a light wave comprising

• a processor for controlling operation of the modulator driving apparatus,
• a limited amplifier for receiving the multiplexed binary data signals and for generating amplified and limited frequency output signals representative of the received multiplexed binary data signals,
• a differential amplifier connected to an output of the limited amplifier and controlled by the processor for precisely controlling amplitudes and generating a low level of over and undershoot of output signals over a wide range of the limited amplifier generated signals,
• a pair of linear amplifiers connected in series to the output of the differential amplifier for generating high fidelity output signals with low over and undershoot and a high extinction ratio for driving the modulator,
• a controller connected to the differential amplifier and responsive to the processor for selectively controlling amplitudes of the differential amplifier output signals,
• a plurality of programmable resistor arrays controlled by the controller in response to instructions generated by the processor for supplying power to the linear amplifiers to equalize gains thereof, and
• a peak detector connected to the output of the linear amplifiers for detecting absence of linear amplifier generated signals as a loss of signals for modulating the modulator.