SeGe Device Targets Hard Disk Drives

Through use of 0.25-µm silicon germanium (SeGe) technology, the company has developed a preamplifier IC for use in hard disk drives. The IC boasts of high bandwidth (>2.5 Gb/s) and very low power dissipation (50% less power consumption than for existing designs). The speedy, SiGe-based preamps are also said to facilitate lower noise or interference levels in the data path, allowing manufacturers of the computer data storage products to use lower-cost drive mechanisms. Samples are available now, with production scheduled to begin in mid-2003. The new preamplifiers are complemented by a line of read channel chips previously developed by the company. AGERE SYSTEMS, Allentown, PA. (800) 372-2447.