A 0.96mW, 5.3–6.75GHz, phase-interpolation and quadrature-generation method using parametric energy transfer in 65nm CMOS

We present a quadrature-generation method that is based on parametric energy transfer to an LC resonator. The phase-sensitive nature of parametric pumping is used to generate a signal in quadrature with an incoming clock signal. The pumped LC resonator is tuned by a digital calibration loop toward the input signal frequency across the tuning range. Phase interpolation is achieved by tuning the resonator frequency away from the incoming signal frequency. Implemented in 65nm CMOS, the prototype dissipates 0.96mW and provides quadrature signals with an accuracy of 2 degrees (~1ps) over an input frequency range of 5.3-to-6.75GHz. The method is also used to achieve a phase interpolation range of 23 to 170 degrees at 6GHz.