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This week at IEEE ISSCC 2026 (isscc.org), imec a world-leading R&D center in advanced semiconductor technologies unveiled a 7‑bit, 175GS/s analog‑to‑digital converter (ADC) that combines a record-small footprint (250 x 250µm²) and low conversion energy with one of the fastest sampling speeds ever reported. As such, imec’s ADC meets the rapidly increasing throughput and processing demands of AI- and cloud-driven data centers, without the area and power explosion typically seen at ultra-high sampling rates.
Driven by AI and cloud applications, data centers’ optical communication networks need constant upgrades to handle ever-higher throughputs and processing demands. But as sampling rates climb beyond 100GS/s, the underlying components such as wireline ADCs, essential in optical transceivers tend to grow in size, requiring longer interconnects, and introducing parasitics and energy loss.
At the 2024 edition of the IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC), imec tackled this challenge with a breakthrough: a massively time-interleaved slope-ADC architecture at least twice as compact as conventional designs and featuring state-of-the-art power efficiency. Building on that approach, imec now takes the next step with the introduction of a record-small ADC that ensures precise signal conversion and wide bandwidth at ultra-high sampling rates.
Patented linearization and switched input buffers techniques
“Our 7-bit, 175GS/s ADC implemented in 5nm FinFET technology pairs a record-small core area of 250 x 250µm2, and low conversion energy (2.2 pJ per sample), with a sampling speed that ranks among the fastest ever reported. This makes it a compelling solution for upscaling digital‑intensive wireline interconnects, where every square micron and milliwatt count,” said Peter Ossieur, portfolio director at imec.
Two patented innovations make this possible. First, a novel linearization approach shaping the slope signal corrects distortions. Second, switched input buffers efficiently feed the ADC’s 2,048-channel time-interleaved array, minimizing electrical load and enabling ultra-fast sampling without compromising signal integrity.
Pushing toward and beyond the 300GS/s milestone
Building on the ADC presented at this year’s ISSCC, imec is now developing a 3nm follow‑on design and exploring 14 Ångstrom designs, exploring how such advanced nodes can be leveraged for high-performance wireline data converter designs.
Peter Ossieur: “Imec has a long-standing track record in developing high-speed integrated circuits for communication applications. One of our key research tracks focuses on optical transceivers (and their building blocks) that can keep pace with the rapidly increasing data rates in wireline systems. In this context, our ADCs represent a crucial step toward a new generation of compact, low-power converters for future wireline applications, pushing beyond the performance limits of SAR-based ADC architectures at ultra-high speeds. To accelerate this effort, we warmly invite partners including fabless companies developing wireline connectivity building blocks to join our ADC and DAC research programs, with licensing options available to access imec’s underlying IP portfolio.”
These research results are discussed during the “Pipeline and Ultra-High-Speed Data Converters” session (Session 11) on Tuesday, February 17, at 10:05 PST.
Visit imec at ISSCC 2026 (booth #8) to explore collaboration and licensing opportunities.
About imec
Imec (imec-int.com) is a world-leading research and innovation hub in advanced semiconductor technologies. Leveraging its state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure and the expertise of over 6,500 employees, imec drives innovation in semiconductor and system scaling, artificial intelligence, silicon photonics, connectivity, and sensing.
Imec’s advanced research powers breakthroughs across a wide range of industries, including computing, health, automotive, energy, infotainment, industry, agrifood, and security. Through IC-Link, imec guides companies through every step of the chip journey - from initial concept to full-scale manufacturing - delivering customized solutions tailored to meet the most advanced design and production needs.
Imec collaborates with global leaders across the semiconductor value chain, as well as with technology companies, start-ups, academia, and research institutions in Flanders and worldwide. Headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, imec has research facilities in Belgium, across Europe and the USA, and representation on three continents. In 2024, imec reported revenues of €1.034 billion.
The imec group holds a global trademark portfolio, including word marks and combined figurative registered and unregistered trademarks, across national, regional, and international territories. Its lawful use requires prior written consent of IMEC in compliance with the IMEC branding guidelines, which may be updated periodically. The latest version is available upon written request.
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