A breakdown voltage multiplier for high voltage swing drivers

A novel breakdown voltage (BV) multiplier is introduced that makes it possible to generate high output voltage swings using transistors with low breakdown voltages. The timing analysis of the stage is used to optimize its dynamic response. A 10 Gb/s optical modulator driver with a differential output voltage swing of 8 V on a 50 Omega load was implemented in a SiGe BiCNIOS process. It uses the BV-Doubler topology to achieve output swings twice the collector-emitter breakdown voltage without stressing any single transistor.