THz Circuits in CMOS: Dream or Nightmare?

Abstract

CMOS transistors have become nanometer devices and operating frequencies $(f_{max})$ of transistors keep increasing with each technology node. Today, in 28 nm and 40 nm CMOS, sub-THz circuits can be implemented in standard CMOS. By using non-linear circuit techniques, CMOS can be used beyond $f_{max}$. In this paper, several design examples will be discussed together with some application results.