High-speed, spurious-free sequential phase frequency detector and dual-modulus prescalers for RF frequency synthesis

Original integrated 22-GHz dual-modulus static frequency dividers (4/5) realized in a Silicon Germanium BiCMOS technology dedicated for high volume production are presented. They operate at low bias voltage (3.3 V) and provide balanced output signals on 50 ohm loads. An optimized digital tri-state phase/frequency detector (PFD) is also reported. A new proposed architecture and original logic approach translate into excellent spurious immunity and high-speed detection: the proposed structure has the advantage to cancel the spurious which are present whatever the state of the comparator. Such features make these versatile circuits blocks essential for low noise, high-frequency PLL systems.