Distinguished Lecture Series: Wide Tuning-Range VCOs Using Multi-Mode Resonators

LC VCOs are commonly used for RF carrier generation. A wide tuning range in a single VCO is desirable for covering multiple bands while occupying a small area. An octave tuning range enables continuous coverage of all lower frequencies by integer frequency division. LC VCOs are most often tuned using variable capacitor banks and varactors. Because of switch resistances in capacitor banks and poor quality factor of varactors, using only capacitors for tuning degrades the phase noise, especially at millimeter-wave frequencies. Variable inductors using series switches pose the same problem. Mutual coupling can be exploited to realize multiple resonant modes with different effective inductances without using switches. This allows a wider tuning range without substantial reduction in the tank quality factor. Topologies for multi-mode resonant structures and their performance will be described with examples from the literature.
Speaker(s): Dr. Krishnapura,
Room: BA B025, Bldg: Bahen Centre for Information Technology, 40 St George St, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 2E4, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/342962