Scalable, Modular Feed-Forward Equalizer for Baseband Applications

This paper presents a modular and scalable fully differential Feed-Forward Equalizer topology suitable for baseband applications. The proposed equalizer topology utilizes Gilbert cell amplifiers as variable gain elements and follows a modular implementation with reuse of identical gain cells. A proof of concept one-tap Feed-Forward Equalizer is designed, characterized in frequency and time domain measurements. The equalizer exhibits a measured single-ended peaking gain control of up to 27 dB at 50 GHz. The equalizer MMIC consumes 370 mW from a -3.3 V supply, measures $0.94\ \mathrm{x}\ 0.76\ \text{mm}^{2}$ , and it was designed in Infineon's 130 nm SiGe BiCMOS process with an $f_{t}$ of 250 GHz and an $f_{max}$ of 370 GHz.