An Efficient Design Methodology for RF and mmWave Voltage – Controlled Oscillators

Abstract

This paper presents an analytical design methodology approach for Voltage – Controlled Oscillators (VCOs). The selected topology is a cross coupled complementary LC – VCO, with an oscillation frequency of 5 GHz, designed using a 65nm RF CMOS process node. A detailed design methodology flowchart is presented to ease the work of the designer while, the proposed methodology is applied accordingly as to produce an LC – VCO while achieving a tuning range of 850 MHz, low phase noise performance of -106 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from carrier frequency and low power consumption of 0.9 mW.