Can coil replace resonator in VCO design?

Low phase noise is one of the most important criteria for a good VCO design. In typical VCO design, a high Q tank circuitry must be used to achieve a good phase noise performance. As part of the effort to achieve high Q, resonator is used in favor to coil. Here, we propose the possibility of using coil yet maintaining a good phase noise performance. By using coil, design cost and area will be saved. However to adopt this concept, some design guidelines must be followed and they will be discussed. In this paper, a cost-saving concept for a good VCO design will be presented.