Multi-gigabit-per-second silicon bipolar ICs for future optical-fiber transmission systems

Basic silicon bipolar ICs for use in systems operations at bit rates of about 2.5 Gb/s are described. Examples are multiplexers, demultiplexers, amplifiers, decision circuits, etc. It is shown that the speed requirements can be met (for nearly all circuits) by today's standard technologies, provided that appropriate circuit concepts are used and the circuits are designed carefully. Applying today's advanced bipolar technologies with self-aligning polysilicon processes, bit rates well above 10 Gb/s are achievable in several cases.<
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