A 77GHz CMOS VCO with 11.3GHz tuning range, 6dBm output power, and competitive phase noise in 65nm bulk CMOS

Abstract

We demonstrate, using a foundry-based 65nm bulk technology, mmWave CMOS VCOs in the range of 38GHz and 77GHz with highest reported continuous tuning range (14%-25%), competitive phase noise (-88dBc/Hz at 1MHz offset at 77GHz), and high P out (6dBm at 77GHz) needed to readily integrate with CMOS PA and to tolerate PVT variations. The DC power consumption of the 77GHz VCO is ~190mW and that of the 38GHz VCOs is ~60mW (~16mW without buffer) from 1V supply (V DD ). Device and design optimizations responsible for the high performance are presented. The impact of temperature and V DD variation (e.g., ~2.6GHz shift in frequency and >5.3dB variation in P out at 77GHz) is reported for the first time.

Advances in Silicon Based Millimeter-Wave Monolithic Integrated Circuits

“…The harmonic power, which is generated by the coupling of the two multiple oscillators, will be transfer to the output without varactors. In [170], the conventional cross-coupled 38 GHz VCO with a doubler was implemented in 65 nm CMOS with a phase noise of −88 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset and a measured output power of 6 dBm at 77 GHz. In [171], the extension of the output frequency range and reduction of the phase noise are achieved by standing-wave transmission line resonators.…”

A 76-81GHz transmitter with 10dBm output power at 125 °C for automotive radar in 65nm bulk CMOS

“…Fig. 2 shows the simplified schem module [18]. The targets were [18], thi relaxes the speed requirement on frequency be needed when integrated with a PLL.…”

“…2 shows the simplified schem module [18]. The targets were [18], thi relaxes the speed requirement on frequency be needed when integrated with a PLL. At h frequency, quality factor (Q) of MOS varact thus a smaller cross-coupled NMOS pair meaning less parasitic capacitance to the tank tank also means lower phase noise at fu frequency.…”

“…This typically requires trading off t However, we have found [18] that using thick rather than thin-oxide varactor allows for tradeoff. With thick-oxide varactor in this de shown in Fig.…”

Design of CMOS 60GHz Giga-bps communication system with CRLH T-line for high output power density and wide tuning range

“…The recent IEEE 802.15.3c standard for wireless local personal network (WPAN) has defined radio-frequency (RF) allocation composed of 4 RF sub-bands at 60GHz, each with bandwidth of 2.16 GHz. Considering the large frequency range and also large process variation in nano-scale CMOS, the utilization of one single varactor cannot cover such a wide range with good phase noise performance, which has introduced grand challenge for 60GHz VCO designed in CMOS technology.At mm-wave frequencies, the most widely used VCO topology is LC VCO[105,109,[120][121][122]. It consists of a LC tank as resonator, and a cross-coupled transistor pair to generate negative resistance.…”