Selectable low-voltage differential signal/current mode logic (LVDS/CML) receiver with the option of AC or DC coupling

A selectable receiver comprising:

• a first receiver module for receiving first signal type;
• a second receiver module different from the first receiver module, for receiving a second signal type;
• common mode voltage providing means for selectively providing one of a first common mode voltage associated with the first signal type to the first receiver module and a second common mode voltage associated with the second signal type to the second receiver module;
• and
• selecting means for selecting one of the first receiver module and the second receiver module, and for selecting one of the first common mode voltage and the second common mode voltage, based on a control signal.

A receiver method for receiving first and second signal types, comprising:

• providing a selectable receiver having first and second receiver modules and first and second common mode voltage networks;
• providing one of the first and second signal types at an input of the selectable receiver;
• and
• providing a control signal to the selectable receiver based on the signal type provided at the input of the selectable receiver;
• wherein when the first signal type is provided at an input of the selectable receiver, the first receiver module is enabled by the control signal and a first common mode voltage is generated in the receiver by the first common mode voltage network;
• wherein when the second signal type is provided at an input of the selectable receiver, the second receiver module is enabled by the control signal and a second common mode voltage is generated in the receiver by the second common mode voltage network.

A system comprising:

• a parallel optical transmitter having a plurality of optical output devices and associated drivers;
• each of the associated drivers having a selectable receiver, including:
• an input for receiving an electrical input signal;
• a first receiver module coupled to the input;
• a second receiver module, different from the first receiver module, coupled to the input;
• a first common mode voltage network for providing a first common m ode voltage, associated with the first receiver module, to the input;
• and
• a second common mode voltage network for providing a second common mode voltage, associated with the second receiver module, to the input;
• wherein the first receiver module, the second receiver module, the first common mode voltage network, and the second common mode voltage network can be selectably enabled based on a control signal.