A 16 GHz fast RISC engine using GaAs/AlGaAs and SiGe HBT technology

Abstract

Wafer Scale Hybrid Packages (WSHP's) or Multichip Modules (MCM's) have provided a breakthrough in system packaging for high clock mte systems. Based on this technology a 2 GHz Fast RISC demonstration integer-only computational engine has been designed, and is submitted for fabrication [l]. This design involved use of Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBT's) in the GaAdAlGaAs materials system. This paper reviews some of the schemes used in that design and shows how there are actually several paths using advanced GaAdAlGaAs and SiGe HE3T technology to create similar systems that can actually run 8 times faster. Some of the challenges facing the architect and chip designer are discussed.