Active 220- and 325-GHz Frequency Multiplier Chains in an SiGe HBT Technology

A 325-GHz ×18 frequency multiplier chain implemented in a f_τ/f_max = 250 GHz/380 GHz evaluation SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistor technology is presented. The chain achieves a peak output power of -3 dBm and consists of a balanced doubler driven by two cascaded tripler stages. It operates from 317 to 328 GHz with a 0-dBm 18-GHz input signal and a 1.5-W power consumption. Additionally, 220- and 325-GHz doubler breakout circuits with integrated driver amplifiers are presented. The doublers reach an output power of -1 dBm at 220 GHz and -3 dBm at 325 GHz with a power dissipation of 630 and 420 mW, respectively.