Research at High Speed Technology Laboratory

Professor Nottenburg's group focuses on the following areas:

This research is provided by the emerging need for Gb/s data links for computer interconnection. This group investigates optoelectronical technology for such applications with emphasis on both the optical transmitter and receiver areas. The group collaborates with the Compound Semiconductor Laboratory at USC, headed by Prof. P.D. Dapkus, in the fabrication of three-terminal laser diode arrays for parallel data communication in the multi-Gb/s range with very low bit-error-rates. These modules are assembled entirely at HSTL using their hybrid packaging facilities. On the receiver side, multi-Gb/s optical modules are being developed that can receive and regenerate a parallel stream of digital data. The high-frequency bipolar transistor foundry technologies made available by TRW and Hewlett Packard are being utilized.

The use of high-frequency transistors in circuits requires advanced device models that can be utilized in simulations, supplementing SPICE with high-frequency models that design engineers can utilize fruitfully. The HSTL work involves accurate transistor parameter measurement and using this data to construct reliable computer simulation models.

The HSTL is equipped with the state-of-the-art in high-frequency analog and digital measurement instruments, utilitarian hybrid packaging facilities, and many computer workstations running advanced design and measurements software. The laboratory is headed by Prof. Richard Nottenburg. The HSTL research is M. Govindarajan, and its students include Sabeur Siala, Vinodkumar Ramakrishnan, Anish Shah, and Sanjay Mansingh.

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