A bipolar monolithic multigigabit/s decision circuit

A monolithic multigigabit/s decision circuit using a 0.5-/spl mu/m bipolar process technology called advanced super self-aligned technology (SST-1A) has been developed. A special decision circuit including a novel current switch based on a nonthreshold logic circuit and a cutoff prevention principle was designed and fabricated. An output voltage swing of 1 V across a 50-/spl Omega/ load, a fast transition time of 90 ps (10-90%) and 3.6 Gbit/s operation have been achieved. Power dissipation per chip is about 600 mW. This IC is applicable to very-high-speed optical fiber transmission system repeaters.