A Completely Integrated One-Chip 18 GHz Frequency Synthesizer Using HEMT-Technology

A single-chip frequency synthesizer using a 0.3 micron enhancement-depletion HEMT-process is presented. The circuit is a prototype for the local oscillator source of future low cost millimeter wave systems, such as intelligent cruise control radars (76 GHz) or very high speed wireless LANs (60 GHz). It integrates all the components needed to generate a phase locked signal around 18 GHz, i.e. the VCO, frequency dividers, phase detector and loop filter. The fabricated chip occupies 2.3 mm² and consumes 0.5 W from a single 5 V supply. The lock range is approximately 700 MHz. The phase noise is -98 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset.