A 60-GHz, 14% tuning range, multi-band VCO with a single variable inductor

This paper presents the design of a 60-GHz, 14% tuning range VCO with a single variable inductor (VID). By employing the proposed frequency tuning scheme, wide-tuning range as well as multi-band operations are achieved without sacrificing its operating frequency. Fabricated in a 90-nm CMOS process, the VCO is capable of covering frequency range from 53.1 to 61.3 GHz. The measured phase noise from a 61.3-GHz carrier is about -118.75 dBc/Hz at 10-MHz offset, and the output power is -6.6 dBm. The VCO core dissipates 8.7 mW from a 0.7-V supply. Chip size is 0.28 times 0.36 mm².