The EL6900 is a highly integrated laser diode driver designed to support Blu-Ray writable optical drives. It accomplishes this by incorporating a waveform generator wherein the diode currents and timing details can be programmed before operation. The data input circuitry inspects the NRZ serial data waveform and generates programmed waveforms in recognition of 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more clock periods of space changing to 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more clock periods of mark, and vice versa. The part also has an IV amplifier with concurrent read and write sampling. The gains of the IV amplifier are programmable, eliminating the need for external potentiometers. The architecture allows reprogramming of all output waveform parameters. The programming is accomplished through a serial interface port. The clock and NRZ inputs can be either standard CMOS or LVDS, selectable through a program bit. The EL6900 operates on a 5V supply for the analog circuits and a 3.3V supply for the digital circuits.