A 2.25mW inductor-less 24 GHz CML frequency divider in 90nm CMOS

Abstract

A wideband low power CML frequency divider suitable for the Ku band has been designed and fabricated in a 90nm CMOS technology. Simulated phase noise and sensitivity curves are validated through on-wafer probe measurements. The maximum operating frequency is 24 GHz while dissipating 2.25 mW from a 1.5 V supply, resulting in a power-delay product of just 11.7 fJ. The divider measures 34 µm × 42 µm, including AC coupling capacitors. It was measured using an on chip 24 GHz differential LC VCO for input signal generation.