A multi-tank LC-oscillator [microwave oscillator example]

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel oscillator topology in which N LC tanks are coupled by active transconductors. Phase noise is shown to scale down by N, at the expense of higher power dissipation and area consumption. This topology allows us to trade-off noise and power beyond the practical limits dictated by conventional LC tank oscillators. The theoretical analysis is supported by behavioral and transistor-level simulations.