AlGaAs/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor circuits with improved high-speed performance

Abstract

Using a self-aligned base contact process and proton implantation to reduce extrinsic base-collector capacitance, we have improved the high-speed performance of AlGaAs/ GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistor digital circuits. The cutoff frequency of the transistor fT with an emitter width of 2.0 μm is 45 GHz. NTL ring oscillators have operated at 16.5 ps/gate and CML ring oscillators at 27.6 ps/gate. Frequency dividers (1/4) have operated up to 11 GHz with wafer-probe testing These are record speeds for bipolar circuits.