In this research group, we focus mainly on two areas, both targeting data rates of hundreds of Gbps: high frequency wireless systems and broadband circuits for fiber optics communication. The IHP silicon photonics technology provides a bridge over these two research fields, enabling the development of monolithic radio-over-fiber solutions that integrate wireless and optical communication technologies on a single platform
Research relevance and application areas
The main focus of the research group is the development of state-of-the-art integrated circuits for ultra-high bandwidth systems using IHP SiGe BiCMOS technologies. Current research activities concentrate on building blocks for high data rate wireless systems as well as for optical fibers communication. The research activities are also directed towards tighter integration of optical devices and electronics on the same substrate. The work of the High Data-Rate Communication Circuits group is particularly relevant in areas such as next-generation telecommunications, connected mobility, smart cities, as well as data centers, cloud, and AI infrastructure.
Main research objectives
Transmitter and receiver circuits for the highest data rates
- D-band (110–170 GHz) circuits for very high-capacity short- and medium-range wireless links
- J-band (220–325 GHz) circuits for future ultra-high-frequency communication systems with increased available bandwidth
Phased array front end circuits
Development of integrated phased-array front ends for electronically steerable antenna systems. These circuits enable directional transmission and reception at millimeter-wave and sub-terahertz frequencies and are investigated for d-Band and J-band
Fiber optic communication circuits
Development of high-speed electronic circuits for broadband optical communication systems, including:
- Transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs) for high-speed optical receivers
- Drivers for Mach–Zehnder modulators used in high-capacity optical transmitters
- Fiber-assisted wireless communication, combining optical fiber links with high-frequency wireless transmission to create integrated radio-over-fiber systems
Energy efficient high-data rate systems
Development of transmitter and receiver architectures that achieve high data rates while reducing power consumption. Current research includes energy-efficient communication circuits operating in the V-band (40–75 GHz)
Research areas
The group conducts research on integrated circuits and system concepts for millimeter-wave and sub-terahertz wireless communication, high-speed optical communication, and fiber-assisted wireless communication systems.
Research ranges from energy-efficient V-band systems (40–75 GHz) to ultra-high-data-rate communication in the D-band (110–170 GHz) and J-band (220–325 GHz). A particular focus is placed on transmitter and receiver circuits that combine very high data rates with low power consumption, as well as phased-array front ends for directional wireless links.
The group also investigates the integration of electronic and photonic components for fiber-assisted wireless and radio-over-fiber architectures, connecting high-capacity optical networks with high-frequency wireless communication systems.
