Performance comparison of two low power wide tuning range VCOs in 90 nm CMOS

Abstract

Two 90 nm CMOS low power wide tuning range VCO designs are presented. A Dual Delay Ring VCO has a tuning range of 63%, consumes 6.5 mW at 6 GHz, and has a phase noise of −92d Bc/Hz at 1 MHz offset at 6 GHz center frequency. A Relaxation VCO has a tuning range of 183%, consumes 0.9 mW at 6 GHz, and has a phase noise of −83 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset at 6 GHz center frequency. The supply voltage is 1.2 v.