A 117 GHz Dual-Modulus Prescaler With Inductive Peaking for a Programmable Frequency Divider

In this contribution, a 4/5 dual-modulus prescaler operating from DC to 117 GHz is presented. The prescaler is key to a fully programmable dual-modulus frequency divider. Thus, it is essential for fractional phase-locked loops in highperformance mmWave and THz measurement systems. Inductive peaking provides additional speed enhancement of the prescaler. Two different inductor realizations for inductive peaking are presented. Even for high temperatures up to 70°C the prescaler works up to 111 GHz. The prescaler requires only 28.1 mA from a 3.3 V power supply. It is implemented in Infineon's 90 nm SiGe BiCMOS technology B12HFC.