An Image-Reused Phase-Tuning mm-Wave QVCO with a FoMT of -204 dBc/Hz

Yue Zhu, Yuri Lu, Chunqi Shi, Leilei Huang, Hao Deng, Jinghong Chen, Runxi Zhang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This paper presents an image-reused phase tuning technique (IPTT) for millimeter-wave (mm-wave) quadrature voltage-controlled oscillators (QVCOs). The phase shifter addresses the -45°-45° phase rotation limitation, extending it to 135°-225°. This enhancement extends the QVCO tuning range without deteriorating phase noise. To facilitate the expanded phase tuning range, a transformer-based fourth-order resonator providing bimodal impedance is employed in the proposed QVCO. The bimodal impedance ensures intra-band monotonicity and inter-band continuity, optimizing the overall tuning range. Mismatch mitigation and PLL integration of the proposed QVCO are also discussed. A prototype QVCO, operating from 31.6 to 49.2 GHz, is fabricated in a 40-nm CMOS process. Measurement results show that the QVCO consumes 10 mW of power and achieves a tuning range of 44% and phase noise of -129 dBc / Hz at 10-MHz offset. This leads to a figure of merit (FoMT) of -204 dBc / Hz at a 10-MHz offset.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2025 IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits Symposium, RFIC 2025
EditorsJane Gu, Kenichi Okada
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages79-82
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9798331514112
DOIs
StatePublished - 2025
Event2025 IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits Symposium, RFIC 2025 - San Francisco, United States
Duration: 15 Jun 202517 Jun 2025

Publication series

NameDigest of Papers - IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits Symposium
ISSN (Print)1529-2517

Conference

Conference2025 IEEE Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits Symposium, RFIC 2025
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco
Period15/06/2517/06/25

Keywords

  • Millimeter-wave (mm-wave)
  • tuning range extension
  • voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO)

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