A 22.7‐ to 44.2‐GHz Darlington dual‐injection injection‐locked frequency tripler with >35dBc harmonic rejection for multiband 5G communication systems

Abstract

This paper presents an ultra-wideband varactor-less injection-locked frequency tripler (ILFT) based on Darlington dual-injection topology targeting millimeter-wave multiband fifth generation (5G) communication systems. By utilizing the proposed Darlington dual-injection injector, the current injection efficiency is improved; thus, the locking range is extended significantly without introducing the varactors. In addition, the Darlington dual-injection topology enhances the harmonic rejection performance by suppressing undesired harmonics. Implemented in 65-nm CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) technology, the proposed ILFT can operate from 22.7 to 44.2 GHz and consumes 6.2 mA at 1.2 V supply voltage. The harmonics rejection is more than 35 dBc and occupies 0.17 mm 2 .