An 11.5% frequency tuning, −184 dBc/Hz noise FOM 54 GHz VCO

This work presents a robust, low area, spectral pure 65 nm VCO for mm-wave applications. The varactor, an inversion mode MOS, takes advantage of the minimum feature provided by the technology to optimize capacitance tuning range and Q. The inductor is a 1 turn spiral. A combination of digital and analog tuning is chosen to lower VCO gain. Prototypes show the following measured results: 11.5% frequency tuning range around 54 GHz, phase noise at 10 MHz of -116 dBc/Hz and -122 dBc/Hz maximum and minimum in band, respectively. Power consumption is 7.2 mW.