A 0.87-pJ/b 115-Gb/s $2^{\text {7}}$ -1 PRBS Generator in 130-nm SiGe:C BiCMOS Technology

A 27-1 pseudo-random bit sequence (PRBS) generator, implemented in a 130-nm SiGe:C BiCMOS technology with f
_T
/f
_max
of 300/500 GHz, is presented. The generator uses a modified half-rate clock topology which enables it to operate at data rates up to 115 Gb/s with low power consumption. Time-domain measurements are performed to demonstrate the maximum data rate of the circuit, which delivers a differential output voltage swing of 600 mVpp and dissipates 700 mW. Spectrum measurements are also carried out to validate the generated PRBS sequence. To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first time a PRBS generator achieves such data rate with a record efficiency of 0.87 pJ/b.