InP/InGaAs double-HBT technology for high bit-rate communication circuits

A InP/InGaAs DHBT technology has been developed to meet the high speed requirements of circuits required in 20 Gbit/s optical communication links. High performance devices were achieved with a current gain over 100 and cutoff frequencies of > 50 GHz. The technology showed excellent behaviour in terms of yield and homogeneity. Over 20 Gbit/s digital ICs were realised: among them, a 20 Gbit/s external modulator driver, and a 32 Gbit/s 2:1 multiplexer.