Broadband Noise Characterization of SiGe HBTs Down to 4K

Abstract

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the DC and RF behavior of HBTs, spanning temperatures from 350 to 3.8 K. It underscores the necessity of detailed studies for the design of RF circuits for quantum computing, including LNAs, VCOs, and mixers, due to the absence of cryogenic models. The DC gain shows betas of 800 at room temperature (RT) and 3000 at 3.8 K. RF characterization indicates a maximum fT of 500 GHz at 3.8 K and 300 GHz at RT. The proposed figure-of-merit, (gm.fT/Ic), typically used in CMOS design, is explored across the temperature range. The study reveals a noise equivalent temperature of sub-1 K at 3.8 K with source matching. The noise behavior of Si/SiGe:C HBTs within $0.13~{\mu }$ m BiCMOS technology is characterized over 293 to 4 K and 10 kHz to 12 GHz. The analysis shows a significant increase in the flicker noise coefficient, K, and corner frequency reduction at 4 K. The high frequency parameter fT reaches 500 GHz, demonstrating better performance compared to advanced CMOS nodes. This research supports the modeling of HBTs that are critical for circuits operating at cryogenic temperatures. These models are particularly beneficial for designing classical-to-quantum interfaces.