A 24-GHz triple-mode programmable frequency divider in 0.13-µm CMOS technology

This paper proposes a new topology of a millimeter-wave triple-mode programmable frequency divider. An example of its application at the working frequency of 24 GHz is also demonstrated in TSMC 0.13-μm CMOS process. It consists of a mixer, a BPF, a CML divider and three pairs of switches. Under proper control of those switches, the proposed divider can offer three division mode of 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4. The divider core consumption is simulated to be 13.5 mW under a supply voltage of 1.2 V. In divide-by-two mode, the divider works from 15 to 26 GHz and the best input sensitivity is 0.1 V_p at 16 GHz. In divide-by-three mode, the divider still works from 15 to 26 GHz but the best input sensitivity slightly shifts to 0.13 V_p at 25 GHz. In divide-by-four mode, the divider is simulated to work from 19 to 24 GHz with a maximum input sensitivity of 0.32 V_p at 22 GHz.