A 5–10-GHz Highly Configurable IEEE 802.15.4a/4z-Compatible IR-UWB Coherent Transmitter in 28-nm CMOS

Abstract

This letter presents an IEEE 802.15.4a/4z-compliant integrated impulse radio ultrawideband (IR-UWB) coherent transmitter that supports all channels in Band 2 from 6.5 to 10 GHz. A wideband phase-locked loop (PLL) with dual LC quadrature voltage-controlled oscillators (QVCOs) is implemented that covers more than 5-GHz frequency range. The PLL features a phase noise of −99.8 dBc/Hz at 1-MHz frequency offset and an rms jitter of 2.3 ps, which ensures reliable coherent operation. The quadrature clocks also make easy future I/ Q receiver integration. The pulse envelope and width are digitally controlled, thanks to our flexible digital pulseshaping configuration. Implemented in a 28-nm CMOS process with a supply voltage of 0.9 V, the chip occupies a core area of 0.21 mm 2 and supports channel 5-15 with a peak pulse repetition frequency (PRF) of 499.2 MHz. The transmitter has a maximum output swing of 430 mV and the power consumption is 1.3 nJ/pulse at a PRF of 15.6 MHz.