The MAX3935 is designed to drive an electro-absorption modulator (EAM) at data rates up to 10.7Gbps. It provides programmable output levels through externally adjustable bias and modulation currents. This EAM driver is fabricated with Maxim's in-house second-generation SiGe process. The MAX3935 accepts differential ECL or ground-referenced CML clock and data-input signals. Inputs are terminated with on-chip 50 resistors. An input-data retiming latch can be used to reject input-patterndependent jitter if a clock signal is available. The driver can modulate EAM devices at amplitudes up to 3.0VP-P when the device impedance is 50. Typical (20% to 80%) edge speeds are 34ps. The output has an on-chip 75 resistor for back termination. The MAX3935 allows for an EAM bias voltage up to 1.2V.