4-GHz band GaAs monolithic limiting amplifier

An amplifier is described for use in the clock regeneration circuit for a gigabit optical transmission system. A phase-shift deviation of >5%/spl deg/ over the input dynamic range from -10 to 4 dBm at 1.8 GHz has been achieved. Experimental and simulation results are reported. To predict the performance of the limiting amplifier accurately, the JFET model in SPICE2 has been improved.