IBM's SiGe RF front end chip tech for Tektronix' 70GHz scopes

Date: 25/06/2013
Tektronix said its 70 GHz real-time oscilloscopes to feature IBM's latest 9HP silicon-germanium (SiGe) chip-making process.

Tektronix says "Operating at speeds up to 350 GHz, 9HP is the first SiGe technology in the industry featuring the density of 90nm BiCMOS and delivers higher performance, lower power and higher levels of integration than current 180nm or 130nm SiGe offerings. Tektronix has been a long-time adopter of SiGe, using it to consistently deliver the best performing and most accurate oscilloscopes in the industry". 70 GHz real-time oscilloscopes from Tektronix is due for availability in 2014.

"By extending our long-standing relationship with technology leader IBM, Tektronix is continuing to push the envelope on what can be achieved in high-fidelity, high-speed data acquisition systems. Early adoption of 9HP has allowed our engineers to explore innovative architectures and performance thresholds once thought unattainable," said Kevin Ilcisin, chief technology officer, Tektronix. "The advanced 9HP SiGe BiCMOS technology provides the faster switching speeds, high integration levels, and low noise our next generation of performance instrumentation requires to meet customer requirements."