Abstract

This paper demonstrates the feasibility of MMIC transimpedance amplifiers able to improve the global performances of an optical link in terms of gain, dynamic range and noise, over a typical 1 to 20 GHz frequency range. Two MMICs, a distributed amplifier and a photodiode follower using the Bootstrap technique, provide an active matching between 50 Ohm and both high impedance of a photodiode and low impedance of a laser. After a single foundry run, the on-chip measurements show a good agreement with the simulation and the first measurements in association with optoelectronic devices are successful.