III-V HETEROJUNCTION BIPOLAR TRANSISTORS FOR HIGH-SPEED APPLICATIONS

Recent advances in communication, radar and computational systems demand very high performance electronic circuits. Heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) have the potential of providing a more efficient solution to many key system requirements through intrinsic device advantages than competing technologies. This paper reviews the present status of GaAs and InP-based HBT technologies and their applications to digital, analog, microwave and multifunction circuits. It begins with a brief review of HBT device concepts and critical epitaxial growth parameters. Issues important for device modeling and fabrication technologies are discussed. The paper then highlights the performance and the potential impact of HBT devices and integrated circuits in various application areas. Key prospects for future HBT development are also addressed.