A new method to analyze the behavior of SiGe:C HBTs under RF large signal stress

Abstract

An integrated oscillator was designed to analyze the behavior of high-performance SiGe:C HBTs under RF large signal stress. The properties of the oscillator core HBTs can easily be monitored during the whole test period. A complex measurement setup was arranged to perform all tests without the need to reconfigure the measurement setup. First experimental data are presented demonstrating a degradation of the HBT 1/f noise and base current behavior caused by the applied RF large signal stress.