A 26 GHz cross-coupled VCO implemented in 0.13um CMOS technology

This paper presents the design and measurement of an integrated voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). This VCO employs cross-coupled structure and improves the bias supply circuit to get a better phase noise. The VCO was implemented using 0.13 um IBM CMOS process. The oscillation frequency is around 26 GHz, targeting at the millimeter wave communication and short range radar applications at China. The tuning range is from 25.1 GHz to 26.3 GHz and the measured phase noise was around -109.47 dBc/Hz at 10 MHz frequency offset. The core circuit of VCO consumes 8 mA current from a 1.8 V power supply and occupies 0.25 mm × 0.23 mm area.