A 1.6–3.2-GHz Sixth-Order ${+}$13.1-dBm OIP3 Linear Phase ${ g}_{ m}$-$C$ Filter for Fiber-Optic EDC Receivers

A sixth-order low-pass
g

_m
-
C
filter for fiber-optic electrical dispersion compensation receivers cascades three biquads permitting a reduction of group delay variation down to 10 ps. A cutoff frequency is tuned from 1.6 to 3.2 GHz by using two methods, namely, changing
gm
and switching a CMOS varactor's polarity. Output third-order intercept point reaches 13.1 dBm and total harmonic distortion is below -40 dB at 0.9
V

_pp-diff
output. The continuous time filter is implemented in a 0.18-¿m SiGe process, it occupies 0.17 mm
²
on a 3.2 × 3.7 mm
²
test chip and consumes 0.3 W from a 3.3-V supply.