A simultaneous bidirectional data port circuit includes a current mode output driver for driving an output node and a current mode return driver for driving a differential receiver. The current mode return driver is scalable to reduce current requirements. Each driver is divided into driver segments. Some driver segments are driven by outbound data, and other driver segments are driven by pre-equalization data. Variable pre-equalization is provided by a pre-driver that selects the number of driver segments to be driven with pre-equalization data and the number of driver segments to be driven by outbound data.