A sixth-order low-pass -filter for fiber-optic electrical dispersion compensation receivers cascades three biquads permitting a reduction of group delay variation down to 10 ps. A cutoff frequency is tuned from 1.6 to 3.2 GHz by using two methods, namely, changing and switching a CMOS varactor's polarity. Output third-order intercept point reaches 13.1 dBm and total harmonic distortion is below 40 dB at 0.9 -di output. The continuous time filter is implemented in a 0.18-m SiGe process, it occupies 0.17 mm 2 on a 3.2 3.7 mm 2 test chip and consumes 0.3 W from a 3.3-V supply.Index Terms-Active filter, antialiasing filter, continuous time filter (CTF), -filter, high-speed integrated circuit, optical fiber dispersion compensation.