Considerations on 120GHz LO Signal Generation and Distribution for Highly-Integrated Multi-Channel Radar Transceivers

Abstract

This paper presents considerations on the choices related to the design of the generation and distribution network of the LO signal for multi-channel radar transceivers working at 120GHz. Many constraints regarding output power, bandwidth phase noise and power consumption need to be considered concurrently. Deciding which one is the best solution is not a straightforward choice. This paper shows a systematic comparison of different LO generation and distribution architectures and introduces a Figure of merit for the evaluation of the results. Simulations are performed in $0.13 \mu \mathrm{m}$ SiGe BiCMOS technology with a 1.8V supply.