Design of High-Speed Register Files Using SiGe HBT BiCMOS Technology

The time needed for processing serial code in programs has become the performance bottleneck of multicore computer systems according to Amdahl's law. A high-speed clock rate processor is essential for processing this serial code. The register file is the core component in high-performance processors due to its direct impact on the cycle per instruction of the CPU. This brief presents the design of a high-speed register file used in high-clock-rate processors that use SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistor BiCMOS technology and current-mode logic-style circuits. The demonstrated register file is fabricated in IBM BiCMOS 0.13- μm technology and has a measured frequency of 18.4 GHz. The highest operational frequency has been simulated at 27 GHz using layout extracted simulation at 85
^°
C after adopting improved pipeline structures. Further advanced technology (8XP) can improve the speed or reduce the power consumption of this register file.