Split voltage supply configuration with matched input load for single ended drivers

A driver configured to drive a load with a drive signal, the driver generating the drive signal responsive to a first input signal and a second input signal, the driver including:

• a first active device connected to a first voltage supply node, the first active device having an input configured to receive the first input signal;
• a second active device connected to a second voltage supply node, the second active device having an input configured to receive the second input signal, the first input signal and the second input signal defining a differential signal;
• and
• a load connection node between the second voltage supply and the second active device, the load connection node presenting the drive signal to the load, wherein a voltage on the first voltage supply node is less than a voltage on the second voltage supply node.

A method for reducing power consumption in a driver when driving an optical transmitter comprising:

• providing a differential pair having a first path, which includes a first resistor and a first transistor, and a second path, which includes a second resistor and a second transistor;
• providing a first supply voltage to the first path;
• providing a second supply voltage to the second path, the first supply voltage lower than the second supply voltage thereby reducing power consumption;
• receiving a differential signal, in the form of a first input signal and a second input signal, at a differential pair first input and a differential pair second input respectively;
• amplifying the first input signal and a second input signal with the differential pair to create a singled ended drive signal;
• and
• presenting the drive signal to a load to on a differential pair output node, the differential pair output node located on the second path.