IBM Announces Next Generation Silicon Germanium Technology
Along with 8HP, IBM is offering a lower cost variation (8WL) specifically targeted at wireless applications that can enable longer battery life and increased functionality in cellular handsets in order to help proliferate wireless local area networking (Wi-Fi) and global positioning satellite (GPS) technology.
"Silicon germanium technology is increasingly influencing next generation consumer devices and applications," said Bernie Meyerson, Chief Technologist for Systems & hTechnology Group, IBM. "IBM introduced the technology in 1989 to allow chip designers to increase computer performance; over the years, SiGe revolutionized the wireless industry by providing a high volume Silicon-based technology. The fourth generation of SiGe will continue to enable wireless connectivity on an increasingly global scale."
"Tektronix has been a SiGe early access partner with IBM for nearly ten years, and was one of the earliest adopters of SiGe for its products. The inclusion of SiGe 5HP and 7HP technology in Tektronix' products has enabled a portfolio of world class, award winning products" said Dave Brown, Vice President, Central Engineering, Tektronix. "Our relationship with IBM has been successful due to the consistent quality of their technology models, processes and documentation as well as the quality of the people we work with."
At 130 nanometers (or 130 billionths of a meter), IBM's new SiGe BiCMOS technology delivers higher performance, lower power and higher levels of integration. The technology maintains compatibility with IBM's application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) technology platform, enabling foundry clients to port a wide range of intellectual property circuit blocks and standard cell library elements. The 130nm foundry platform also includes an RF CMOS technology option, giving IBM foundry customers a broad range of technology choices for RF and mixed-signal applications.
"Sierra Monolithics has selected IBM's SiGe8HP technology for demanding applications such as highly-integrated ultra-high-speed fiber optic components, high performance data converters and 60GHz broadband wireless transceivers," said Charles Harper, chairman, Sierra Monolithics. "IBM leads the industry in SiGe technology which enables our designers to get to market first with products of unprecedented performance. We are excited about the new performance regimes and application spaces that we can go after with this next generation."
SOURCE: IBM