An optical transceiver device having digital and programmable control over
transceiver components is disclosed. The optical transceiver module
comprises a controller and an integrated post-amplifier/laser driver
("PA/LD"), which are included on a printed circuit board disposed in the
module. Transmitting and receiving optical sub-assemblies for
transceiving optical signals are also disposed in the module. A digital
signal interface interconnects the controller with the integrated PA/LD.
A microprocessor is interposed between the controller and the PA/LD and
is connected to both components via the digital signal interface. Digital
control signals produced by the controller are transmitted via the
digital signal interface to the integrated PA/LD where they are converted
to analog signals for use by a plurality of control amplifiers.
Conversely, analog feedback signals produced by the control amplifiers
are converted to digital signals and transmitted to the controller. The
microprocessor can intercept, analyze, and modify the digital control and
feedback signals for optimum use by the controller or integrated PA/LD.