Design and optimization of a low-noise cross-coupled fundamental VCO in 90nm CMOS for 60GHz applications

A methodology for the design and optimization of a low noise cross-coupled fundamental VCO for 60GHz applications is presented in this paper. Using a parametric study, semi-empirical relations are derived for the oscillator elements, enabling optimization for phase noise, tuning range and power, The designed VCO is implemented in 90nm standard CMOS technology, offers a frequency tuning range of 2.5 GHz around 58.7GHz using a combination of analog control of AMOS varactors and a four-bit digital control bus of differential switched capacitance cells. The VCO yields a measured phase noise of −100dBc/Hz at 1MHz offset consuming 20mW and −106dBc/Hz consuming 55mW.

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