A 1V 1.7mW 25GHz transformer-feedback divide-by-3 frequency divider with quadrature outputs

A transformer-feedback injection-locked divide-by-3 frequency divider (ILFD) is proposed. Employing a transformer feedback, the divider can achieve high performance in terms of low voltage, high frequency, and low power consumption. Fabricated in a 0.13-μm CMOS process and operated at a 1-V supply voltage, the divider prototype measures an input frequency range from 22.7GHz to 25.1GHz with 2
^nd
and 3rd harmonic tones of −45 dBc and −40 dBc respectively. With quadrature outputs, the divider achieves a sideband rejection ratio of 40 dB while consuming 1.7mW and occupying an active area of 0.23mm
²
.