10-GHz operation of multiple-valued quantizers using resonant-tunneling devices

We study ultrafast operation of multiple-valued quantizers composed of resonant-tunneling diodes (RTDs) anti high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). The operation principle of these quantizers is based on the monostable-multistable transition logic (MML) of series-connected RTDs. The quantizers are fabricated by monolithically integrating InP-based RTDs and 0.7-mu m-gate-length HEMTs with a cutoff frequency of 40 GHz. To perform high-frequency experiments, an output buffer and termination resistors are attached to the quantizers, and the quantizers are designed to accommodate high-frequency input signals. Our experiments show that both ternary and quaternary quantizers can operate at clock frequencies of 10 GHz and at input frequencies of 3 GHz. This demonstrates the potential of ap plying RTD-based multiple-valued quantizers to high-frequency circuits.