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The chip technology for high frequency integrated
circuits has been developed tremendously during the past ten years. One
of the main driving forces is the mobile communication market.
Therefore the importance of this technology has grown. This trend is
expected to continue during the next years on a similar level.
The following focuses can be identified:
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Introduction of new technologies: Today's digital
integrated circuits are realized almost by 100% by CMOS technology. In
the past few years the advanced CMOS processes have gained "GHz-maturity" in the
sense that they are suitable to be used for high volume mass production
in higher frequency applications. |
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The SiGe technology, which is technologically more
demanding compared to pure CMOS processes, shows a growing importance
for chips to be realized for frequencies above 6GHz. The advantage of
this technology is, that it lends itself for high volume mass
production being fabricated on standard silicon production lines. |
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Due to the progress in modern chip technology,
the current consumption of analog high frequency circuits can be
reduced further. Therefore the battery size in handheld devices can be
reduced and/or the maximum operating time can be improved. |
Goals
For the university partners (ETHZ, TU Berlin) the
cooperation can take place on different levels: Students will gain
design experience using state-of the art RF design CMOS processes. This
can be done within semester or diploma works or by organizing RF design
classes.
PhD students have the possibility to work on research
projects together with the industrial partner. For all partners the
cooperation is a good base for present or future common projects funded
by national or international organizations.
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