Emitter utilization in heterojunction bipolar transistors

We compare measured collector current densities, cutoff frequencies (f(t)), and transducer gains for thermally shunted heterojunction bipolar transistors with 2-16 mu m emitter dot diameters or 2-8 mu m emitter bar widths with models of the emitter utilization factors. Models that do not take emitter resistance into account predict that the d.c. utilization factors are below 0.7 for collector current densities greater than 6 x 10(4) A cm(-2) and emitter diameters or widths greater than 8 mu m. However, because the current gains are compressed by the emitter resistances at those current densities, the measured utilization factors are close to 1, which agrees with models that include emitter resistance. A.c. utilization factors are evident in the transistor Y parameters. For example, Re\Y-21\ drops off at high frequencies more steeply in HBTs with large emitter diameters or widths than in small ones. However, measured data shows that the HBT a.c. current gains h(21) or f(t) values are not influenced by the a.c. utilization factor. A.c. utilization effects on HBT performance parameters such as small signal and power gains, output power, and power added efficiency are also examined. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.