553-GHz signal generation in CMOS using a quadruple-push oscillator

Abstract

A 553-GHz quadruple-push oscillator is demonstrated using low leakage transistors in 45-nm CMOS. The currents of coupling transistors of a quadrature oscillator were summed up to implement quadruple pushing. Quasi-optical measurements showed that the circuit generates 4th harmonic signal at 553 GHz with the power level of 220 nW, while suppressing unwanted harmonic signals. The circuit consumes 64 mW from a 1.4 V supply.