A 15/20/30/40 GHz multi-band push-push VCO using dual-resonant LC resonator

Abstract

A quad-band voltage-controlled oscillator (QBVCO) is proposed for multi-band satellite communication systems. The presented QBVCO is designed with a transformer feedback topology in a standard 180-nm CMOS technology. By improving the LC-tanks, the output signals of QBVCO exhibit four oscillation frequencies within the satellite communication bands. The lower bands, 15/20GHz, are generated by adopting dual-resonant LC resonators. The lower bands can be tuned by varying the control voltage of the varactors. The higher bands, 30/40GHz, are obtained by adding a push-push frequency doubler. The power consumption is 11.31mW at 1.5V supply voltage. The designed low power quad-band VCO has advantages of low phase noise and high output signal power without an extra negative supply voltage.