Broadband SiGe HBT Amplifier Concepts for 40 Gbit/s Fibre-Optic Communication Systems

Distributed single-ended, distributed differential and lumped differential circuit concepts for realisation of linear broadband amplifiers are presented. Concept advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Demonstration circuits of the first two kinds have been fabricated, the third one being currently in fabrication. All three circuits utilise the same SiGe HBT technology. The amplifiers' 3dB cut-off frequencies range from 32 GHz to 41 GHz. They are intended for use in 40 Gbit/s optical communication systems