A 1GHz-5mA/5V dual modulus GaAs prescaler IC

A 1GHz-5mA/5V 128/129 dual modulus GaAs prescaler IC has been developed by using a source coupled FET logic. A shallow n⁺implantation-layer and slightly recessed gate technology is used in fabricating the prescaler IC. The technology gives high transconductance and low source resistance, resulting in low dissipation current of the IC. The chip size is 1.77mm × 1.10mm. 231 FET´s, 85 diodes, 128 resistors and 2 capacitors are integrated in the chip. Extremely low IC current of 4.0mA is achieved with the maximum counting frequency fcmaxof 1.2GHz at a supply voltage VDDof 5.0V. The fcmaxof 1.8GHz is also obtained with the IC current of 9.3mA.