A 77GHz CMOS VCO with 11.3GHz tuning range, 6dBm output power, and competitive phase noise in 65nm bulk CMOS

We demonstrate, using a foundry-based 65nm bulk technology, mmWave CMOS VCOs in the range of 38GHz and 77GHz with highest reported continuous tuning range (14%–25%), competitive phase noise (−88dBc/Hz at 1MHz offset at 77GHz), and high Pout (6dBm at 77GHz) needed to readily integrate with CMOS PA and to tolerate PVT variations. The DC power consumption of the 77GHz VCO is ∼190mW and that of the 38GHz VCOs is ∼60mW (∼16mW without buffer) from 1V supply (VDD). Device and design optimizations responsible for the high performance are presented. The impact of temperature and VDD variation (e.g., ∼2.6GHz shift in frequency and >5.3dB variation in Pout at 77GHz) is reported for the first time.