A Si Bipolar 21GHz 320mW Static Frequency Divider

This Si bipolar 21HGz 320mW static frequency divider is suitable for application in microwave communication systems. The frequency divider can operate at up to 21GHz, which is the highest reported using Si bipolar technology. Recently-reported 18GHz 690mW dynamic frequency divider and 15GHz 540mW static frequency divider require differential inputs which are not practical at such high frequencies.1.2 The 1/8 static frequency divider described here features single-ended input realized using an on-chip metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor, 5V single supply voltage and 320mW power dissipation, all of which are desirable in microwave applications. Performance has been achieved by optimizing the ratio of load resistance to transistor parasitic collector resistance, by introducing microwave circuit design technologies to layout design and by using a 40GHz-fT bipolar transistor fabricated in an advanced borosilicate-glass self-aligned (ABSA) process.3