Characterizing InP-HEMTs up to 250 GHz in a Single Measurement Run

On-Wafer Measurements Characterizing InP-HEMTs up to 250 GHz in a Single Measurement Run

2026-10-15 Source: Press Release | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

Keysight, the University of Glasgow, the National Physical Laboratory, and MPI Corporation have demonstrated a method for broadband on-wafer characterization of InP HEMTs. It is designed to enable measurements from near DC up to 250 GHz without having to reposition the probe between measurements.

Keysight is working with research institutes to simplify the testing of next-generation semiconductor devices.(Image: Keysight) — Keysight is working with research institutes to simplify the testing of next-generation semiconductor devices.
(Image: Keysight)

To develop semiconductor devices in the millimeter-wave and sub-THz ranges, engineers must characterize their behavior over a wide frequency range. Conventional measurement setups sometimes require multiple configurations and calibrations. This increases the effort involved and can make it difficult to ensure the comparability of the data.

For their approach, the four partners combined a PNA-X Vector Network Analyzer and a 250-GHz frequency extender from Keysight with a precision SMU. In addition, the project utilized InP HEMTs and on-wafer calibration standards from the University of Glasgow, probe technology and calibration software from MPI Corporation, and calibration methods from the National Physical Laboratory (NPL). InP-HEMTs are high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) based on indium phosphide semiconductor technology. They are suitable for applications at very high frequencies.

For Direct Current Up to 250 GHz

According to the partners, the setup enables continuous characterization from near DC up to 250 GHz in a single run. The probe remains in the same position on the wafer throughout the process. The integrated source filtering and broadband calibration of the source power are also designed to improve signal purity at the probe. Broadband S-parameters were measured.

“The continuous characterization of components from near DC up to 250 GHz in a single sweep can significantly simplify the measurement process […],” says Thierry Locquette, Vice President of Sales for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Keysight. The collaboration demonstrates how test equipment, components, probes, and metrology can be combined to obtain consistent broadband data.

The NPL also emphasizes calibration as an essential part of the measurement process. “Accurate on-wafer measurements are essential for the development of reliable semiconductor devices,” says Xiaobang Shang, senior scientist and head of the On-Wafer Measurement Technology Division at NPL. MPI Corporation points out that test, calibration, and measurement platforms for measurements up to 250 GHz must work together as an integrated system.

The demonstration is intended to reduce the effort required for broadband measurements. The press release does not specify the measurement uncertainty achieved by the setup across the entire frequency range or how the transitions between the measurement ranges are implemented.

Subscribe to the newsletter now

Don't Miss out on Our Best Content

Business E-mail

Please enter a valid mailadress.

By clicking on „Subscribe to Newsletter“ I agree to the processing and use of my data according to the consent form (please expand for details) and accept the Terms of Use. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. The consent declaration relates, among other things, to the sending of editorial newsletters by email and to data matching for marketing purposes with selected advertising partners (e.g., LinkedIn, Google, Meta).

Date: 08.12.2025

Naturally, we always handle your personal data responsibly. Any personal data we receive from you is processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. For detailed information please see our privacy policy.

Consent to the use of data for promotional purposes

I hereby consent to Vogel Communications Group GmbH & Co. KG, Max-Planck-Str. 7-9, 97082 Würzburg including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG (hereafter: Vogel Communications Group) using my e-mail address to send editorial newsletters. A list of all affiliated companies can be found here

Newsletter content may include all products and services of any companies mentioned above, including for example specialist journals and books, events and fairs as well as event-related products and services, print and digital media offers and services such as additional (editorial) newsletters, raffles, lead campaigns, market research both online and offline, specialist webportals and e-learning offers. In case my personal telephone number has also been collected, it may be used for offers of aforementioned products, for services of the companies mentioned above, and market research purposes.

Additionally, my consent also includes the processing of my email address and telephone number for data matching for marketing purposes with select advertising partners such as LinkedIn, Google, and Meta. For this, Vogel Communications Group may transmit said data in hashed form to the advertising partners who then use said data to determine whether I am also a member of the mentioned advertising partner portals. Vogel Communications Group uses this feature for the purposes of re-targeting (up-selling, cross-selling, and customer loyalty), generating so-called look-alike audiences for acquisition of new customers, and as basis for exclusion for on-going advertising campaigns. Further information can be found in section “data matching for marketing purposes”.

In case I access protected data on Internet portals of Vogel Communications Group including any affiliated companies according to §§ 15 et seq. AktG, I need to provide further data in order to register for the access to such content. In return for this free access to editorial content, my data may be used in accordance with this consent for the purposes stated here. This does not apply to data matching for marketing purposes.

Right of revocation

I understand that I can revoke my consent at will. My revocation does not change the lawfulness of data processing that was conducted based on my consent leading up to my revocation. One option to declare my revocation is to use the contact form found at https://contact.vogel.de. In case I no longer wish to receive certain newsletters, I have subscribed to, I can also click on the unsubscribe link included at the end of a newsletter. Further information regarding my right of revocation and the implementation of it as well as the consequences of my revocation can be found in the data protection declaration, section editorial newsletter.