Some design issues in ultra high frequency ICs in InP-DHBT technology

Design issues and experiences in some of HRL's recent demonstrated state-of-the-art circuits are presented and discussed. The performance of static dividers and voltage controlled oscillators, has been significantly improved by utilizing the high break-down voltage of the DHBT. The technology utilized here offers an f/sub T/ of about 135 GHz, and a current gain of about 30. The dividers and VCOs designed in this technology exhibit toggling frequencies beyond 100 GHz and phase noise less than -80 dBc/Hz @ 100 KHz from carrier (44 GHz in this case), respectively.