The EL6196 is a highly integrated laser diode driver designed to support multi-standard writable optical drives. It accomplishes this by incorporating a waveform generator wherein the diode currents and timing details can be programmed before operation. The data input circuitry inspects the NRZ serial data waveform and generates programmed waveforms in recognition of 3, 4, 5, or 6 or more clock periods of space changing to 3, 4, 5, or 6 or more clock periods of mark, and vice versa. The part also has an IV amplifier with concurrent read and write sampling. The gains of the IV amplifier are programmable, eliminating the need for external potentiometers. The architecture allows reprogramming of the timers to support different media, DVD or CD standards, and different speeds. The programming is accomplished through a serial interface port. Two outputs are provided to support duallaser multi-standard optical heads. The clock and NRZ inputs can be either standard CMOS or LVDS, selectable through a program bit.