Multi-GHz Monolithic Voltage-Controlled Oscillators In Advanced Silicon Bipolar Technology

Relaxation-type Monolithic Silicon Bipolar Voltage-controlled Oscillators (VCOs) With Center Frequencies Ranging From 1.5 To 5 GHz Are Described. The Maximum Oscillating Frequency Achieved Is 7.4 Ghz. The VCOs Dissipate About 70 mW From a 3.6 V Supply, Including The Output Buffer And Voltage-to-current Converter Stages. Two Types Of On-chip Timing Capacitor Structures And Various Configurations Used In Achieving These Results Are Described. A Wide Tuning Range Has Been Achieved Which Is Sufficient To Cover The Normal Process Tolerances And Supply Variations Expected In A Practical Environment. The Circuits Are Fabricated In An Advanced 0.8 /spl mu/m Double-poly Self-aligned Bipolar Technology.