A 20% locking range and −125dBc/Hz phase noise quotient frequency synthesizer suitable for multiband millimeter-wave applications

This paper describes the design of a PLL-based and integer-N quotient frequency synthesizer (QFS) suitable for V, E and W multiband mm-wave applications. The complementary NMOS and PMOS dual-injection structure with independent gate bias and co-tuning technology are adopted to improve injection efficiency and extend frequency locking range of ILFD. The ameliorated pseudo-differential cascode structure is applied in buffer stages to enhance gain and stability performance. The frequency synthesizer, fabricated in low cost 0.13μm CMOS process, can provide over +1.5dBm output power at 50ohm load within a wide frequency range from 27.38 to 33.5GHz and the closed-loop phase noise of -111.25 to -110.2dBc/Hz at 10MHz offset from carrier frequency and -125dBc/Hz at 100MHz offset while drawing 70mA current (not including testing buffers) from 2.5V power supply.