Silicon bipolar IC for PRBS testing generates adjustable bit rates up to 25 Gbit/s

For the first time, a completely integrated pseudo-random pattern generator providing adjustable bit rates up to at least 25 Gbit/s without additional external multiplexing is presented. The sequence length is 2ⁿ-1. The application of the monolithic Si bipolar IC serves as a single chip measurement instrument for pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) generation required for the characterisation and development of high-speed components used in future optical fibre communication systems. Only three external microwave components are needed for operation: a clock generator, a power divider and a phase shifter. The chip is realised in an advanced implanted base silicon bipolar technology