Gbit/s serialiser/deserialiser subsystem for GaAs large-scale optoelectronic integration

A 10:1 serializer/deserializer subsystem with fast byte synchronisation and link control functions has been designed. The subsystem, consisting of 1030 gates, was implemented on GaAs using a refractory-gate MESFET process and is part of an optoelectronic transmitter/receiver chip set for fibre-optic computer communication links. An operating speed of 1 Gbit/s was achieved with a power dissipation of only 1.2 W.