13 Gbit/s Si bipolar preamplifier for optical front ends

Abstract

A preamplifier IC for a 10 Gbit/s optical fibre link was realised in a 0.8 μm silicon bipolar preproduction technology. Data rates up to 13 Gbit/s at high transimpedance (615 Ω) and low noise (10.5 pA/√(Hz) for 10 Gbit/s) were achieved. The frequency response can be individually optimised by adjusting a novel on-chip network via external potentiometers.