A Novel High-Speed Multiplexing IC Based on Resonant Tunneling Diodes

A new multiplexing IC based on the resonant tunneling diode (RTD) is proposed. The unique negative differential resistance characteristics arising from quantum effects of the RTD enable us to develop a new functional low-power digital circuit. The proposed multiplexing IC consists of two current-mode-logic monostable-bistable transition logic elements (CML-MOBILEs) based on the RTD and a low-power selector circuit block. The proposed circuit has been fabricated by using an InP RTD/ heterojunction bipolar transistor monolithic microwave integrated circuit technology. The multiplexing operation of the fabricated quantum effect IC has been confirmed up to 45 Gb/s for the first time as a monolithic technology based on the quantum effect devices. The dc power consumption is only 23 mW, which is found to be one-fourth of the current state-of-the-art conventional transistor-based multiplexing IC.