Abstract

The design of a wide-band voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) modified as a VCO with programmable tail currents is introduced herein. The VCO is implemented by using CMOS current-mode logic stages, which are based on differential pairs that are connected in a ring topology. SPICE simulation results show that the VCO operates within the frequency ranges of 2.65–5.65 GHz, and when it is modified, the VCO with programmable tail currents operates between 1.38 GHz and 4.72 GHz. The design of the CMOS differential stage is detailed along with the symbolic approximation of its dominant pole, which is varied to increase the frequency response in order to achieve a higher oscillation frequency when implementing the ring oscillator structure. The layout of the VCO is described and pre- and post-layout simulations are provided, which are in good agreement using CMOS technology of 180 nm. Finally, process, voltage and temperature variations are performed to guarantee robustness of the designed CMOS ring oscillator.

Highlights

  • Current mode logic (CML) was used as a mean to design VLSI logic gates to accomplish nanosecond delays

  • current mode logic (CML) emerged with bipolar junction transistors (BJT) [1], and the aim was focused on eliminating the emitter-coupled logic (ECL) drawbacks at that time, such as large power consumption and excessive heat generation [2]

  • This article introduces the design of a wide-band voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) that is implemented using CML stages connected in a ring topology

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Current mode logic (CML) was used as a mean to design VLSI logic gates to accomplish nanosecond delays. Several CML blocks have been used for the implementation of various topologies and logic gates, such as, buffers, latches, flip-flops, XOR gates, and push–pull topologies, among others In this manner, this article introduces the design of a wide-band voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) that is implemented using CML stages connected in a ring topology. Other desired features in designing a VCO are associated to accomplish low-power consumption, minimum layout area, large output frequency range and wide tuning range. The main effects are that decreasing N yields a reduction in gain, which may result in the oscillation eventually stopping In this manner, this article shows that deriving the symbolic approximation of the dominant pole of the CMOS CML stage, through the use of the high-frequency small-signal equivalent model of the MOS transistor [17], can help to enhance the oscillation frequency.

CMOS Differential Stage with Passive Load
CMOS Differential Stage with Active Load
Voltage Controlled Oscillator Based on CMOS Differential Stages
VCO with Programmable Tail Currents
Layout Design of the VCO Based on CMOS Differential Stages with Active Load
Conclusions

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.