Abstract: A proper interface circuit to connect a driver to a laser diode is essential for an optimized optical transmitter design. In general, single-ended drive of laser diodes provides a straight forward solution that requires less components and board space. The purpose of this application note is to reveal how differential drive provides a faster edge-speed than a single-ended drive. The application note you have requested is available in Acrobat PDF format: APPLICATION NOTE 3239: HFAN-02.5.0: Single-Ended vs Differential Methods of Driving a Laser Diode (PDF, 204kB) A free Acrobat PDF reader is available from: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html Related Parts   APP 3239: May 25, 2004 MAX3735A 2.7Gbps, Low-Power SFP Laser Drivers Full Data Sheet (PDF, 1.1MB) Free Samples MAX3737 Multirate Laser Driver with Extinction Ratio Control Full Data Sheet (PDF, 480kB) Free Samples MAX3738 155Mbps to 4.25Gbps SFF/SFP Laser Driver with Extinction Ratio Control Full Data Sheet (PDF, 380kB) Free Samples Automatic Updates Would you like to be automatically notified when new application notes are published in your areas of interest? Sign up for EE-Mail™. We Want Your Feedback!   Download, PDF Format (204kB)  AN3239, AN 3239, APP3239, Appnote3239, Appnote 3239