Low-power front-end amplification and frequency generation techniques for ultra-wideband millimeter-wave transceivers

Abstract

This paper presents low-power design techniques for wideband LNA's and wide-tuning frequency generation circuits operating at mm-wave. Transformer neutralization techniques enable the design of current-reuse and low-voltage LNA's. Transformer-based VCO's with resonance mode switching are introduced to achieve very wide tuning range. The design and characterization of several prototype circuits is presented to validate these concepts.