A 0.049mm2 7.1-to-16.8GHz Dual-Core Triple-Mode VCO Achieving 200dB FoMA in 22nm FinFET

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Abstract

LC VCOs with low phase noise (PN) and an octave frequency-tuning range (FTR) are required for multistandard communication devices, software-defined radios, and wireline data links. A viable popular approach is to exploit multicore mode-switching VCOs for two reasons: (1) their PN improves linearly by in-phase coupling of N identical VCOs; (2) the resonant-mode switching enhances the VCO FTR without degrading the tank quality factor (Q) as no RF current ideally flows through lossy mode-selection switches. However, it is still challenging for dual-mode VCOs to achieve a competitive FoM while covering an octave FTR at oscillation frequencies (F_OSC) above 6GHz [1]. To enhance the number of oscillation modes to 3, [2] added a center-loop inductor (L_C) to a transformer, as shown in Fig. 9.2.1. However, a large FTR gap is measured, since the transformer windings should be strongly coupled to accommodate L_C, The authors of [3] and [4] realized a triple- and quad-mode operation, respectively, by coupling two individual transformer-based resonators (see Fig. 9.2.1). Apart from the large area penalty, the former needs an extra third winding (L_T) in each transformer that degrades the tank Q, while the latter used large, fixed coupling capacitors (C_M) that load the tank in two of the resonant modes, thus limiting the VCO FTR.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2022 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference, ISSCC 2022
Subtitle of host publicationDigest of technical papers
EditorsLaura C. Fujino
Place of PublicationDanvers
PublisherIEEE
Pages152-154
Number of pages3
ISBN (Electronic)978-1-6654-2800-2
ISBN (Print)978-1-6654-2801-9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
Event2022 IEEE International Solid- State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) - Online at San Francisco, United States
Duration: 20 Feb 202226 Feb 2022

Publication series

NameDigest of Technical Papers - IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference
Volume2022-February
ISSN (Print)0193-6530

Conference

Conference2022 IEEE International Solid- State Circuits Conference (ISSCC)
Abbreviated titleISSCC 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOnline at San Francisco
Period20/02/2226/02/22

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