A 16 GHz fast RISC engine using GaAs/AlGaAs and SiGe HBT technology

Abstract

Wafer Scale Hybrid Packages (WSHPs) or MultiChip Modules (MCMs) have provided a breakthrough in system packaging for high clock rate systems. Based on this technology a 2 GHz Fast RISC demonstration integer-only computational engine has been designed, and is submitted for fabrication. This design involved use of Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs) in the GaAs/AlGaAs materials system. This paper reviews some of the schemes used in that design and shows how there are actually several paths using advanced GaAs/AlGaAs and SiGe HBT technology to create similar systems that can actually run 8 times faster. Some of the challenges facing the architect and chip designer are discussed.