A 131 GHz push-push VCO in 90-nm CMOS technology

Abstract

A 131 GHz cross-coupled push-push voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is realized in 90-nm CMOS technology. It can be tuned from 129.8 to 132 GHz, with an estimated phase noise of -108.4 dBc/Hz at 10 MHz offset. The oscillator provides a push-push output power of -15.2 dBm and a fundamental output power of +0.33 dBm, under core current of 20 mA from a 1-V supply voltage. Maximum push-push and fundamental output powers are -11.4 dBm and +2.1 dBm, respectively. To the authors' knowledge, this is the highest frequency CMOS VCO ever reported.