Sep 25, 2013 · SiGe is a semiconductor alloy, meaning a mixture of two elements, silicon and germanium. Since 2000 or so, SiGe has become widely used to enhance the performance of ICs of various types. SiGe can be processed on equipment nearly the same as …

Aug 26, 2018 · Below is how I understand things. SiGe (for example, SiGe 9HP from Global Foundries) is a BiCMOS process which integrates two separate technologies. It contains a "cost-effective mature silicon base" which is the 90 nm Si process. On top of this base, it allows for the use of SiGe NPN transistors with "exceptional high-frequency performance".

Another way is to use BJT. Usual silicon based will give you about 0.6V. Germanium or SiGe one will go close to 0.2V. If you have an independent power supply, you may also consider a solution with a comparator.