A 43-Gb/s full-rate-clock 4:1 multiplexer in InP-based HEMT technology

This paper describes a full-rate-clock 4:1 multiplexer (MUX) in a 0.13-μm InP-based HEMT technology for 40-Gb/s and above optical fiber link systems. To reduce output jitter, the serialized data are retimed at the final stage by a retimer, a D-type flip-flop, which has a symmetric layout with an optimized spacing to the ground that minimizes coupling capacitances. A phase adjuster, composed of an exclusive OR and a delay switch, uses external control signals to change each phase of the serialized data and clock entering the retimer and gives a correct timing for the clock to drive the retimer. A clock distributor with a simple wired splitter divides the clock into two clocks with high gain and low current. The MUX integrates 1355 HEMTs formed using electron beam lithography. A chip mounted in a test module operated at up to 47 Gb/s with a power consumption of 7.9 W for a single supply voltage of -5.2 V.