Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a low impedance optical modulator in an optical device. The optical device includes a distributed amplifier having a plurality of gain stages and is configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal at an input of the distributed amplifier having a first impedance and provide an amplified version of the RF signal with a voltage gain produced through the plurality of gain stages to an output of the distributed amplifier having a second impedance smaller than the first impedance. The optical device includes an optical modulator coupled to the distributed amplifier and is configured to receive the amplified version of the RF signal at an input of the optical modulator having a same impedance as the output of the distributed amplifier and modulate the amplified version of the RF signal to produce an intensity modulated optical signal at an output of the optical modulator.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a millimeter wave signal to an integrated circuit includes a connector to receive the millimeter wave signal. The connector includes a signal pin. A pin landing pad is conductively coupled to the signal pin. The pin landing pad includes a transition portion. A transmission line is configured to couple the pin landing pad to an input/output (I/O) pad of an integrated circuit. The apparatus further includes an interposer including the pin landing pad, the transmission line, and the I/O pad of the integrated circuit.