X-Fab unveils BiCMOS PIN-diode module

X-Fab Semiconductor Foundries AG has announced the availability of a PIN-diode module for its 0.6?m BiCMOS technology (XB06) at Electronica 2004 in Munich.

According to the company, the module makes it possible for the first time to integrate PIN diodes with CMOS and BiCMOS transistors on a single chip. The parameters of standard XB06 transistors are not influenced by the integration of PIN diodes.

Because of its lower barrier capacitance and higher spectral sensitivity over conventional PN diodes, the pin diode module is suited for high-speed data communications, such as DVD pickup systems, said the company.

"Optical signal transmission and image processing are areas of major emphasis in X-FAB's development strategy—they are future-oriented markets with much potential," said Thomas Hartung, VP of marketing and sales for X-Fab, in a statement.

The PIN-diode module is a component of the XB06 design kit. Its availability with other X-Fab technologies is in development.

- Spencer Chin

EE Times