An Ultra-Low-Power K-Band 22.2 GHz-to-26.9 GHz Current-Reuse VCO Using Dynamic Back-Gate-Biasing Technique

An ultra-low-power K-band LC-VCO (voltage-controlled oscillator) with a wide tuning range is proposed in this paper. Based on the current-reuse topology, dynamic back-gate-biasing technique utilized to reduce power consumption and increase range. With technique, small dimension cross-coupled pairs are allowed, reducing parasitic capacitors consumption. Implemented SMIC 55 nm 1P7M CMOS process, VCO achieves frequency of 19.1% from 22.2 GHz 26.9 GHz, consuming only 1.9 mW–2.1 mW 1.2 V supply occupying core area 0.043 mm2. The phase noise ranges −107.1 dBC/HZ −101.9 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset over whole range, while total harmonic distortion (THD) output achieve −40.6 dB −2.9 dBm, respectively.