A 131.5GHz, −84dBm sensitivity super-regenerative receiver by zero-phase-shifter coupled oscillator network in 65nm CMOS

Abstract

A CMOS high-sensitivity super-regenerative receiver is proposed for millimeter-wave imaging systems. With quench-control signals, two LC-tank oscillators are coupled in-phase by zero-phase-shifter network in a positive feedback loop. This leads to a high oscillatory amplification and improves the detection sensitivity. The circuit is realized in 65nm CMOS with a core area of 0.06 mm2. Measurements show that the receiver features a sensitivity of -84dBm, a noise-equivalent-power of 0.615fW/Hz0.5, a noise-figure of 7.26 dB and a power consumption of 8.1mW.