A 12-mW 6-bit video-frequency A/D converter

A 6-b 30-MHz flash A/D converter using 8.4-GHz cutoff frequency sidewall base contact structure (SICOS) technology is described. By using n-p-n transistors operated upwardly (in reverse-action condition) and p-n-p transistors with a 860-MHz cutoff frequency, a power consumption of 12 mW has been achieved, with a 3-V power supply. This converter can digitize video signals of up to 7 MHz at a conversion frequency of 30 MHz. An SNR of 37 dB was observed. Chip area of the fabricated converter is 1.5 mm/SUP 2/.