An ultra broadband GaAs MESFET preamplifier IC for a 10 Gb/s optical communication system

Abstract

An ultrabroadband GaAs MESFET preamplifier IC was developed for a 10-Gb/s optical communication system. A high transimpedance of 44 dB- Omega has been obtained from DC to 12 GHz. A receiver has also been fabricated by using this preamplifier IC and a photodiode. The receiver operated with an extremely low equivalent input noise current of 12.6 pA/ square root Hz from DC to 7.8 GHz. The circuit design and the high-frequency characteristics of the preamplifier IC and the receiver are described.<>