AlGaAs/GaAs HEMT 5-12 GHz integrated system for an optical receiver

We report the design of a chip-set containing several key components for an optical receiver in AlGaAs/GaAs HEMT technology. Different building blocks necessary to regenerate the signal coming from an optical data link have been characterized. The system provides a -3 dB bandwidth of 5 GHz with a transimpedance of 2.4 k/spl Omega/. Power consumption was estimated to be 350 mW at that frequency. Current ranging from 20 /spl mu/A to 300 /spl mu/A may be processed with this receiver. This current range was achieved with an AGC control unit. An appropriate output buffer allows matching to a 50 /spl Omega/ measurement equipment. The dynamic range is 12.2 dB. Circuit was fabricated at an external foundry.