Session 19 overview: Frequency generation

This session covers the latest advancements in frequency sources and synthesis, fundamental blocks for communication, sensing and imaging systems. The first presentation in the session demonstrates a high-efficiency, high-power multiport radiating element at 114GHz in a SiGe BiCMOS technology. The second paper proposes an efficient calibration technique applied to a 27-to-31GHz injection-locking frequency multiplier with quadrature outputs. The next three presentations discuss frequency synthesizers. The first is a digital 50-to-66GHz PLL featuring low noise and low spur levels by leveraging a high-speed TDC and intensive calibrations. The second and third PLLs are based on ring-oscillators and leverage subsampling phase detection and FIR filtering, respectively, to achieve simultaneously low noise and compact area. The session is concluded with an ultra-low-voltage DCO in a 16nm FinFET technology.