The MAX9483/MAX9484 high-performance, multimode, laser-diode drivers (LDDs) are designed for CD and DVD combination pickup heads. The drivers consist of three input channels, an RF oscillator, and two precision current-amplifier outputs to drive the CD and DVD laser diodes. The MAX9483/MAX9484 support multiple CD and DVD read/write standards, such as CD-R/RW, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, and DVD-RAM by choosing the writing control signals and input currents on these input channels. The peak total output current is 400mA with a current gain of 100 at each channel. External resistors set the oscillation frequency and output swing. The MAX9484 features an extra resistor input allowing the oscillation frequencies of the two outputs to be set separately. Additionally, the MAX9484 allows the writing control signals to be received in lowvoltage differential signal (LVDS) mode or single-ended mode to provide reliable high-speed writing.