VCO design for 60 GHz applications using differential shielded inductors in 0.13 μm CMOS
 
VCO design for 60 GHz applications using differential shielded inductors in 0.13 μm CMOS 
 
Jonathan Borremans, M. Dehan, Karen Scheir, Maarten Kuijk, Piet Wambacq
 
Abstract 

With the increasing interest in 60 GHz applications, low-cost CMOS circuit solutions emerge. The poor performance of CMOS devices at millimeter wave frequencies complicates the design. In this work, we present two low-area VCOs covering the license-free 60 GHz band, using differential shielded (slow-wave) transmission line inductors. We discuss design and provide compact modeling of these inductors, compatible with stringent metal density rules of scaled CMOS. Measured phase noise below 90 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset is achieved, at a consumption of 3.9 mW at 1 V. The tuning range exceeds 10 %, for a tuning voltage restricted from ground to the supply.