Chip Design & Integrated Circuits

Terahertz Sensing: Tailored solutions for the highest frequencies

Our expertise in chip design enables us to develop powerful and reliable integrated circuits (ICs) and MMICs for the terahertz range. We accompany you from the initial concept through simulation and layout to the finished chip. Whether prototype or small-series solution, you receive industry-oriented development precisely tailored to your requirements while contributing to innovation in RF technology.

Zwei Wissenschaftler analysieren SiGe-Chips frü die Terahertzsensorik auf einem Wafer an einer On-Wafer-Messstelle und sehen die Ergebnisse auf Bildschirmen. Two scientists analyze SiGe chips for terahertz sensing on a wafer at an on-wafer measurement station, viewing the results on screens.

Your Benefits

Compact, energy-efficient circuits for high-frequency applications

Reduction of development risks through proven methods

Accelerated transition from design to prototype manufacturing

Industry-grade solutions for diverse sectors

Our Offer At A Glance

We provide comprehensive expertise in chip design for photonics, high-frequency, and terahertz applications. Our research services cover the entire development lifecycle – from the initial idea to the tested prototype.

Integrated Circuits (ICs) and Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs): design, simulation, and realization of compact, robust, and efficient sensor systems – in only a few design iterations
Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs)
System-on-Chip (SoC) concepts: powerful, reflection- and loss-minimized sensor solutions on a very small footprint
Efficient development aided by simulations and precise measurement systems
Close integration of chip design and packaging for optimal performance

Eine Platine mit Hochfrequenzschaltungen für Millimeterwellenradar und Terahertzsensorik in blauer und Sepa-Farbtönung. A PCB with high-frequency circuits for millimeter-wave radar and terahertz sensing in blue and sepia tones.

Printed circuit board with high-frequency circuits. © Fraunhofer FHR

design, simulation, and realization

Integrated Circuits (ICs) and Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs)

Latest research findings give our integrated circuits excellent high-frequency performance and enable:

Miniaturization

Improved reliability due to fewer transition losses between individual blocks

Energy efficiency

Robustness

Cost reduction compared with separately integrated components

Using comprehensive simulation models, an extensive reference design library, and mass-market-ready manufacturing methods, we develop both individual active and passive components as well as complex application-specific high-frequency systems that meet industrial requirements.

Monolitic Microwave Integrated Circuits

We research and develop application-specific, high-frequency MMIC solutions for you – from circuit concept and electromagnetic simulation through layout design and packaging to measurement, characterization, and optimization of the final components. Using established semiconductor technologies such as SiGe BiCMOS, along with advanced CAD and EM tools for optimizing power amplifiers, frequency multipliers, mixers, and detectors, we drive innovation in terahertz technology.

Nahaufnahme einer Leiterplatte mit mehreren integrierten Schaltkreisen (Chips) für Terahertzsensorik. Close-up of a circuit board with multiple integrated circuits (chips) for terahertz sensing.

Leiterplatte mit mehreren integrierten Schaltkreisen. © Envento

240 GHz Radar-MMIC in einem Open-Cavity-Package frü Terahertzsensorik. Die quadratischen on-Chip Antennen für den Sende- und Empfangskanal sind an der rechten Chipkante deutlich zu erkennen.  240 GHz radar MMIC in an open-cavity package for terahertz sensing. The square on-chip antennas for the transmit and receive channels are clearly visible along the right edge of the chip.

240 GHz radar MMIC in an open-cavity package. The square on-chip antennas for the transmit and receive channels are clearly visible at the right edge of the chip. © Fraunhofer FHR

System-on-Chip Konzepte (SOC)

On-chip antenna systems: economically attractive, as we can realize reliable, high-performance systems on affordable PCBs without special RF properties as carriers.

Antenna systems on printed circuit boards: with optimized antenna substrates and bond connections, as well as compensation networks on the chip, we ensure broadband, low-reflection, low-loss signal transmission.

Application-specific high-frequency structures: we enable flexible system designs with standard or custom components, e.g., 3D-printed complex aluminum structures

Substrate-integrated antennas

Antennas with linear or circular polarization

Antenna-lens assemblies with external PTFE lenses for extended range

Low-loss transitions to rectangular waveguides

Optical and mechanical components

Precision without compromise

Typical Applications

Our chip designs can be used across many industries and research fields, for example:

Industry 4.0: process monitoring, quality control, robotics

Medical technology: imaging procedures, non-invasive diagnostics

Security & Logistics: object recognition, contactless identification, tracking

Automotive: radar sensors for driver assistance systems

Start Your Project with Us

Whether you want to realize a new chip idea or optimize existing designs, we are your partner for reliable RF chip solutions. Contact us now

We make collaboration transparent and efficient:

Analysis & Consulting – defining requirements and goals

Design Phase – simulation, layout, and optimization

Prototyping – fabrication and initial tests

Validation & Optimization – comprehensive measurements and adjustments

Integration – ready for small-batch production or integration into your overall system

Contact us for a customised offer

Take advantage of our terahertz expertise and industrial experience for your technological advantage. Whether medical technology, security or communication – together we will realise your innovation.