High-frequency and high-speed devices for communication network systems

A description for high-speed communication networks for the 21st century is roughly sketched, and the technical development trends in high-frequency and high-speed devices are briefly forecasted. Four examples of devices under development are reported: 76-GHz flip-chip MMIC's for car-radar systems, a cost-effective RF module for millimeter-wave wireless systems, a 10-Gbps demultiplexer for optical fiber communication systems, and a GaAs microwave signal processor for active phased-array systems. Considering as technological trends evolve further, this paper also introduces the software radio concept and the fusion of wireless and optical technologies for cost-effective wireless communication equipment and end-user services.