The next generation of digital optical transmission systems in Europe is expected to operate at bit rates between 2.4 and 2.7 Gbit/s. In this paper, basic silicon bipolar ICs for such systems are described. Examples are multiplexers, demultiplexers, amplifiers, decision circuits etc. It is shown that the speed requirements can be met (for nearly all circuits) by today's standard technologies, provided that appropriate circuit concepts are used and the circuits are carefully designed. Applying today's advanced bipolar technologies with self-aligning polysilicon processes, bit rates well above 10 Gbit/s are achievable in several cases.
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