4-bit multiplexer/demultiplexer chip set for 40-Gbit/s optical communication systems

We have designed and fabricated a low-power 4:1 multiplexer (MUX), 1:4 demultiplexer (DEMUX) and full-clock-rate 1:4 DEMUX with a clock and data recovery (CDR) circuit using undoped-emitter InP-InGaAs HBTs. Our HBTs exhibit an f_T of approximately 150 GHz and an f_max of approximately 200 GHz at a collector current density of 50 kAμm². In the circuit design, we utilize emitter-coupled logic and current-mode logic series gate flip-flops and optimized the collector current density of each transistor to achieve low-power operation at required high bit rates. Error-free operation at bit rates of up to 50 Gbit/s were confirmed for the 4:1 MUX and 1:4 DEMUX, which dissipates 2.3 and 2.5 W, respectively. In addition, the full-clock-rate 1:4 DEMUX with the CDR achieved 40-Gbit/s error-free operation.