A 1 V, 5 mW, 1.8 GHz, balanced voltage-controlled oscillator with an integrated resonator

Abstract

A differential oscillator topology with an integrated resonator is presented that allows for low supply voltages and RF/microwave frequencies. On-chip, pad-to-pad bond wire inductors and noise matching techniques are used to minimize phase noise. Operation in the 1.8 GHz range with a phase noise spectral density of -94 dBc/Hz at a 100 kHz offset is achieved with 5 mA drawn from a 1 V supply, and oscillation is supported down to power supply levels of 3.3 mW.