A monolithic CMOS 10.4-GHz phase locked loop

A 10.4-GHz PLL with a 256/257 dual modulus prescaler implemented in a 0.18-/spl mu/m CMOS process is presented. The prescaler with a 4/5 synchronous counter operates up to 14 GHz. The counter achieves this by using feedback. The phase noise levels of the PLL and VCO at a 3-MHz offset with I/sub VCO/=8.1 mA are -122 dBc/Hz. The PLL operates between 9.7 10.4 GHz, while drawing 34 mA at V/sub DD/=1.8 V.