In this dissertation, the combined optical link, where the baseband digital signal and wireless signal are transmitted simultaneously over a multi-mode fiber (MMF) using an VCSEL and received through a photoreceiver and a feed forward equalizer (FFE). For this hybrid optical link, a new type of combiner is developed using the multi-layer organic (MLO) process. For the overall link simulation, a rate-equation-based VCSEL model is developed with circuit components. This model describes the high-speed modulation characteristic as well as the thermal effect on the L-I (light vs. bias current) characteristic. Additionally, The FFE is developed to further extend a MMF distance by compensating differential modal delay (DMD) in MMF. Two different implementation approaches are taken for the FFE by passive LC ladder based delay line and active inductance peaking delay line structure. To overcome the voltage headroom limitation of the conventional Gilbert cell architecture, modified Gilbert cell is presented and implemented as a multiplier cell for both FFEs. The FFEs are fully integrated on a single chip and fabricated by a standard 0.18 ?m CMOS process. The developed FFE successfully rebuild the distorted signal form the MMF at 10 Gbps data rate.

This dissertation is aimed at examining signal integrity degradation factors and realizing signal integrity enhancement circuits for both wired and wireless communication systems. For wired communication systems, an optical coherent system employing an electrical equalization circuit is studied as a way of extending the transmission distance limited by optical fiber dispersion mechanisms. System simulation of the optical coherent receiver combined with the feed-forward equalizers is performed to determine the design specification of the equalizer circuit. The equalization circuit is designed and implemented in a 0.18 µm complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process and demonstrates the capability to extend the transmission reach of long-haul optical systems over single-mode fiber to 600 km. Additionally, for wireless applications, signal integrity issues found in a full-duplex wireless communication network are examined. Full-duplex wireless systems are subject to interference from their own transmitter leakage signals; thus, a transmitter leakage cancellation circuit is designed and implemented in a 0.18 µm CMOS technology. The proposed cancellation circuit is integrated with a low-noise amplifier and demonstrates over 20 dB of transmitter leakage signal suppression.