Application of silicon-germanium technology for wireless handsets: a CDMA tri-mode chip set

SiGe technology has been evolving over the last decade and a half (Patton et al, 1990; Schuppen et al, 1995; Kasper et al, 1993; Schuppen et al, 1998; Barlas et al, 1999.). During the last few years, there has been much debate with regard to the pros and cons and viability of SiGe based RF devices for wireless applications. This paper describes the design, development and performance of an IS 95/98 dual band tri-mode chip-set using commercially available SiGe bipolar and BiCMOS foundry processes.