A simulation study of high-speed silicon heteroemitter bipolar transistors

Using a two-dimensional numerical simulator, the upper limit of Si homotransistor cutoff frequency is estimated within the assumed conditions of punchthrough voltage. The potential speed advantages of silicon heteroemitter bipolar transistors (Si HBTs) (such as low emitter storage time, low emitter-base junction capacity, and possibility for large base width reduction) are shown by comparing Si HBTs with a Si homotransistor. It is confirmed that the cutoff frequency is enhanced from 48 to 127 GHz by the Si HBT structure. The optimum values of heteromaterial properties for high-speed HBT operation including energy gap, band discontinuity, and heterointerface recombination are discussed