10-GHz Si bipolar amplifier and mixer ICs for coherent optical systems

Using a 30-GHz f/sub T/ silicon bipolar process, 10-GHz amplifier and mixer ICs for a multigigabit-per-second coherent optical-fiber communication system were fabricated. The dual-feedback amplifier with triple Darlington achieves a 10-GHz bandwidth and 20-dB gain. The Gilbert-cell mixer operates up to 10 GHz with a 10-dB conversion loss. The simulation technique, used for the design of these ICs includes an improved interconnect line model for the high-frequency region. The 10-GHz amplifier has a 1-mm/sup 2/ chip size and 210-mW power dissipation. The mixer has 2-mm/sup 2/ chip size and 550-mW power dissipation.<
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