Design of an Active-Loaded Differential Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) Using Double-Gate MOSFET

Design of an Active-Loaded Differential Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) Using Double-Gate MOSFET
  IJETT-book-cover           
  
© 2023 by IJETT Journal
Volume-71 Issue-12
Year of Publication : 2023
Author : Suvashan Pillay, Viranjay M. Srivastava
DOI : 10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V71I12P224

How to Cite?

Suvashan Pillay, Viranjay M. Srivastava, "Design of an Active-Loaded Differential Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO) Using Double-Gate MOSFET," International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology, vol. 71, no. 12, pp. 248-263, 2023. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V71I12P224

Abstract
A differential cross-coupled Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) has been designed using the Double-Gate (DG) MOSFET for VHF applications. The DG MOSFET exhibits superior noise immunity with its high noise figure and is suitable for low-power, high-frequency applications. The proposed VCO has been designed using a differential topology with improved power consumption, design flexibility, and noise reduction. This also improves the high-frequency performance of existing differential amplifiers. Thereafter, the proposed VCO was compared with fabrication and design methods, particularly Silicon-based CMOS and Single-Gate (SG) MOSFET VCOs, as possible alternatives. Various printed circuit board (PCB) design practices were followed to minimise the noise and improve the overall efficiency of the circuitry. Key parameters for the analysis of this VCO are the output power, phase noise, and figure of merit, which have been realised as -2.91 dBm at peak and -69.79 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz, respectively. The power consumption of the designed VCO is 36 mW.

Keywords
MOSFET, Double-Gate MOSFET, Differential amplifier, Microelectronics, Nanotechnology, VLSI, VCO.

References
[1] Art Pini, The Basics of Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) and How to Select and Use Them, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.digikey.com/en/articles/the-basics-of-voltage-controlled-oscillators-vcos
[2] M. Gottlieb, “Some Practical Aspects of Various Oscillators,” Practical Oscillator Handbook, Oxford Hill, Butterworth-Heinemann, pp. 143-150, 1997.
[3] Gibin Chacko George et al., “Characteristics of Arbitrary Ramp Generator: A Tuning Voltage Setup for the FMCW Reflectometer,” IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, vol. 69, no. 6, pp. 3481-3492, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[4] Zheng Sun et al., “A Compact TF-based LC-VCO with Ultra-Low-Power Operation and Supply Pushing Reduction for IoT Applications,” IEICE Transactions on Electronics, vol. 103, no. 10, pp. 505–513, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[5] Jusung Kim et al., “An 18–19.2 GHz Voltage-Controlled Oscillator with a Compact Varactor-Only Capacitor Array,” Electronics, vol. 12, no. 7, pp. 1-8, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[6] Analog Devices, VCO Tank Design for the MAX2310, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.analog.com/en/technical-articles/vco-tank-design-for-the-max2310.html
[7] G. Bonfanti et al., “A Varactor Configuration Minimizing the Amplitude-to-Phase Noise Conversion in VCOs,” IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 481-488, 2006.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[8] Hyeon Jin Son et al., “A Widely Tunable K-Band Voltage-Controlled Oscillator,” IDEC Journal of Integrated Circuits and Systems, vol. 8, no. 2, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[9] Morteza S. Alavi, Jaimin Mehta and Robert Bogdan Staszewski, Radio-Frequency Digital-to-Analog Converters, Elsevier, Singapore, pp. 21-40, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Publisher Link]
[10] Z. Zhang, “A Push-Push Dual-band Cross-coupled VCO in 90-nm CMOS Technology,” Journal of Physics, vol. 1176, no. 6, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[11] Fahmida Khatoon, and Tarana Afrin Chandel, “Design of Low Power, High Speed Differential Amplifier Ring Voltage Controlled Oscillator in CMOS Technology,” International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering, vol. 3, no. 12, pp. 34- 37, 2014.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[12] Saverio Trotta et al., “Fundamental VCO with Integrated Output Buffer beyond 120 GHz in SiGe Bipolar Technology,” IEEE/MTT-S International Microwave Symposium, pp.645-648, 2007.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[13] Jing-Yu Han et al., “An Evolution of Colpitts VCO for Simultaneous Optimization of Phase Noise and FoM in Gaas Technologies,” Analog Integrated Circuits and Signal Processing, vol. 105, pp. 441-457, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[14] Xinyu Zhang et al., “A Low Phase Noise Frequency Synthesizer with a Fourth-Order RLC Loop Filter,” Electronics, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 1-14, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[15] Analog Devices, Analog Devices – Phase Noise, 2010. [Online]. Available: https://www.analog.com/media/en/technicaldocumentation/application-notes/an-1067.pdf
[16] Tripti Kackar, Shruti Suman, and P.K. Ghosh, “Differential Voltage Controlled Ring Oscillators-A Review,” International Conference on Communication and Networks, pp. 571-579, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[17] Francesco Buccoleri, Andrea Bonfanti, and Andrea L. Lacaita, “A Generalization of the Groszkowski’s Result in Differential Oscillator Topologies,” IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers, vol. 68, no. 7, pp. 2800-2811, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[18] Yiyang Shu et al., “Low-Phase-Noise High-Efficiency Power Oscillator with Digitally Controlled Output Power,” IEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters, vol. 31, no. 5, pp. 477-480, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[19] Islam Mansour, and Marwa Mansour, “166% Frequency Tuning Range Power VCO Using High-Quality Off-Chip Inductor,” Analog Integrated Circuits and Signal Processing, vol. 114, pp. 431-438, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[20] Giovanni Collodi, Monica Righini, and Alessandro Cidronali, “A New Varactor-Tuned 5.8 GHz Dielectric Resonator Band-Stop Filter for ITS and C-V2X Coexistence with Vehicular DSRC,” Electronics, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 1-15, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[21] Kuangyuan Ying, and Hao Gao, “A 25% Tuning Range 7.5-9.4 GHz Oscillator with 194 FoMT and 400 MHz 1/f3 Corner in 40nm CMOS Technology,” IEEE Access, vol. 11, pp. 6351-6356, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[22] Yasaman Majd, and Emad Ebrahimi, “Analysis and Design of a New Low-Phase Noise and Gm-Enhanced Class-C Quadrature VCO,” IET Microwaves, Antennas and Propagation, vol. 14, no. 13, pp. 1537-1546, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[23] T. David et al., “High Q InP-Based Varactor Diodes,” Proceedings of the 11th International Symposium on Space Terahertz Technology, 2000.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[24] Adel S. Sedra, and Kenneth C. Smith, Microelectronic Circuits: Theory and Applications, 7th Ed., Oxford University Press, USA, 2014.
[Google Scholar]
[25] NXP, BF998 Double Gate MOSFET, 2016.
[26] Xiang Geng et al., “Phase Noise Characterization Photodetectors for Near Infrared Mode Locked Lasers with Repetition Ratesup to 400 MHz,” Optical and Quantum Electronics, vol. 53, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[27] Joe Baylon et al., “A Ka-Band Dual-Band Digitally Controlled Oscillator with −195.1-dBc/Hz FoMT Based on a Compact High-Q Dual-Path Phase-Switched Inductor,” IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, vol. 67, no. 7, pp. 2748-2757, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[28] Fairchild, Datasheet Directory, 1999. [Online]. Available: https://rb.gy/hxskfs
[29] Masato Tanak et al., “Hybrid Inductor for Improving Gain Attenuation Characteristics of a Pi Filter Circuit,” 7 th International Conference on Power and Energy Systems Engineering, vol. 6, pp. 446-451, 2020.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[30] Zachariah Peterson, Copper Pour and Via Stitching: Do You Need Them in a PCB Layout?, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://resources.altium.com/p/copper-pour-and-stitching-do-you-need-them-pcb-layout
[31] Altera Corporation, High-Speed Board Layout Guidelines, Stratix II Device Handbook, Altera Corporation, pp. 1-32, 2007.
[32] Rohde & Schwarz FS300 Operating Manual. [Online]. Available: https://rb.gy/mksljx
[33] Andrej Lavrič, Boštjan Batagelj, and Matjaž Vidmar, “Calibration of an RF/Microwave Phase Noise Meter with a Photonic Delay Line,” Photonics, vol. 9, no. 8, pp. 1-13, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[34] APITech, VCO Application Notes. [Online]. Available: https://www.spectrumcontrol.com/globalassets/documents/rf2m-us/vco-application-notes.pdf
[35] Meng-Ting Hsu, Wei-Jhih Li, and Chien-Ta Chiu, “Design of Low Phase Noise and Low Power Modified Current-Reused VCOs for 10 GHz Applications,” Microelectronics Journal, vol. 44, no. 2, pp. 145-151, 2013.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[36] Lakshmi Nediyara Suresh, and Bhaskar Manickam, “Design of Active Inductor-Based VCO with Wide Tuning Range for RF Front End,” Circuits, Systems, and Signal Processing, vol. 41, pp. 2486-2502, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[37] Nusrat Jahan, Adel Barakat, and Ramesh K. Pokharel, “Design of Low Phase Noise VCO Considering C/LRatio of LC Resonator in 0.18-μm CMOSTechnology,” IEEE Transactions on Circuits And Systems II: Express Briefs, vol. 68, no. 12, pp. 3513-3517, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[38] Muyiwa B. Balogun, Olutayo O. Oyerinde, and Fambirai Takawira, “Simplified ML-Based Carrier Frequency Offset and Phase Noise Estimation for CO-OFDM Systems,” SAIEE Africa Research Journal, vol. 110, no. 4, pp. 180-189, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[39] Inwon Suh, Patrick Roblin, and Youngseo Ko, “1/f Additive Phase Noise Analysis for One-Port Injection-Locked Oscillators,” Electronics, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 1-12, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[40] Wen-Cheng Lai, “Chip Design of Low Consumption Voltage-Controlled Oscillator with Even Harmonic Mixer,” IEEE International Symposium on Radio-Frequency Integration Technology, pp. 1-3, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[41] Cheol-Woo Kang, Hyunwon Moon, and Jong-Ryul Yang, “Switched-Biasing Techniques for CMOS Voltage-Controlled Oscillator,” Sensors, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 1-22, 2021.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[42] Naushad Dhamani, Paria Sepidband, and Kamran Entesari, “A Low Phase Noise Wide–Tuning Range Class–F VCO based on a Dual–Mode Resonator in 65nm CMOS,” IEEE Radio and Wireless Symposium, pp. 277-280, 2017.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]