Ultrafast ternary quantizer using resonant tunneling devices

Abstract

We investigate the performance of ultrafast ternary quantizers using resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs) and high-electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) through circuit simulation and experiments. We first analyze the operation of a quantizer by circuit simulation and studied the factors limiting its performance. We then fabricated a ternary quantizer using InP-based RTDs and 0.7-/spl mu/m HEMTs. A three-valued return-to-zero type waveform was observed at a clock frequency of 10 GHz and an input frequency of 3 GHz.