A G-Band Standing-Wave Push–Push VCO Using a Transmission-Line Resonator

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a standing-wave push–push voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) using a transmission-line (TL) resonator that covers a frequency range of 151–174 GHz. By properly distributing negative ${ g}_{ m}$ cells in the TL resonator, a wide frequency tuning range with low phase noise can be obtained. The electrical length of the TL resonator is determined to achieve a high second-harmonic output power. The fabricated VCO demonstrates a phase noise of $-$ 91.3 dBc/Hz at 1-MHz offset at a push–push output frequency of 151.1 GHz (the estimated result) and a tuning range of 14% with a dc power consumption of 33 mW at a 1-V supply voltage. The push–push output power ranges from $-$ 14.5 to $-$ 16 dBm. The figure-of-merit including the tuning range $({\rm FOM}_{\rm T})$ is $-$ 182.6 dBc/Hz.