Mwrf 1608 Darpacircuit Promo 0
Mwrf 1608 Darpacircuit Promo 0
Mwrf 1608 Darpacircuit Promo 0
Mwrf 1608 Darpacircuit Promo 0
Mwrf 1608 Darpacircuit Promo 0

IC Bridges the “Terahertz Gap” to Break World Record

Nov. 7, 2014
Researchers at Northrop Grumman, under a DARPA contract, developed a terahertz monolithic integrated circuit (TMIC) that uses 10 transistor stages to reach an operating speed of 1 THz.
The terahertz monolithic integrated circuit (TMIC) bridges the gap using a super-scaled, 25-nm gate length, indium-phosphide, high electron mobility transistor. (Image courtesy of DARPA)

Researchers persistently try to detect, process, and radiate the high-frequency terahertz section of the electromagnetic spectrum without having to utilize frequency translation or multiplication. Often referred to as the “terahertz gap,” a team at Northrop Grumman recently developed what Guinness World Records deemed the world’s fasted integrated-circuit amplifier. The amplifier uses 10 transistor stages to reach an operating speed of 1 THz, or one trillion cycles per second.

The terahertz monolithic integrated circuit (TMIC) bridges the gap using a super-scaled, 25-nm gate length, indium-phosphide, high electron mobility transistor. The transistor measures at a gain of 10 dB at 1 THz and 9 dB at 1.03 THz. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) funded the research/development of the TMIC. DARPA’s goal was to demonstrate transistor-based electronics operating at 670 GHz, 850 GHz, and 1 THz.

Applications for the technology include high-resolution security imaging systems, improved collision-avoidance radar, communications networks with greater capacity, atmospheric sensing, radio astronomy, and medical imaging. It could also help improve system range and reduce size, weight, and power consumption of existing systems. The amplifier surpasses the company’s previous record of 850 billion cycles per second.

Sponsored Recommendations

Frequency Modulation Fundamentals

March 14, 2024
The development of crystal-clear FM communications was an innovation of genius and toil. Utilized today in applications such as radar, seismology, telemetry and two-way radios...

44 GHz Programmable Signal Generator

March 14, 2024
The Mini-Circuits SSG-44G-RC is a 0.1 to 44 GHz signal source with an RF output range of -40 to +17 dBm with fine resolution. This model supports CW and pulsed (? 0.5 ?s) outputs...

Webinar: Introduction to OTA Measurement for mmWave and Sub-THz

Feb. 19, 2024
Join Jeanmarc Laurent, a leading expert from MilliBox, for an exclusive live webinar showcasing a complete Over-the-Air (OTA) testing system setup. In this immersive session, ...

Using a CMT VNA with Socket Server

Feb. 19, 2024
This application note describes use of a software application CMT Socket Server which is distributed and supported by Aphena Ltd. Please email [email protected] regarding purchase...