Apparatus and methods provide low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) driver with replica circuit biasing and protection for hot plugging. The replica biasing is non-intrusive in nature, and can control the voltage swing tightly over parametric variations. The absence of an explicit near-end driver termination improves efficiency, while replica biasing controls output voltage swing levels. Hot-pluggable compatibility is achieved by a reduction in power-off leakage current and short circuit current protection.