Various embodiments relate to an adaptive linear driver, including: a continuous time linear equalizer (CTLE); a programmable transmit driver coupled with an output of the CTLE, wherein the transmit driver includes a first control port configured to receive a first control signal configured to adjust the output level of the programmable transmit driver; an output comparator coupled to an output of the programmable transmit driver, wherein the output comparator is configured to compare the output of the programmable transmit driver with a reference signal and to produce a first comparison signal; and a controller coupled to the output comparator and the first control port, wherein the controller produces a first control signal based upon the first comparison signal.