A 1.3 pJ/bit energy-efficient ultra-low power on-off mode oscillator using an InP-based quantum-effect tunneling device

A low power on-off mode oscillator is demonstrated by using an InP-based RTD. In order to achieve the low power operation, the NDC (negative differential conductance) characteristic at a low voltage of the RTD is used for RF signal generation. The implemented RTD-based oscillator by using an InP-based RTD/HBT MMIC technology shows low power consumption of 1.3 mW at an oscillation frequency of 5.8 GHz. The RTD-based oscillator operates in an on-off mode with a high data rate of 1 Gb/s. The obtained energy efficiency of 1.3 pJ/bit is found to be the best reported up to date.