A Low Phase Noise 12 GHz LO Generation with Quadrature Outputs in 0.13 μm SiGe BiCMOS

Local oscillator (LO) signal generation is essential for almost all RF systems. Furthermore, accurate quadrature generation is required for numerous applications, such as radar or communication systems. This paper presents an LO generation chip with an on-chip quadrature generation by means of operating the VCO at a second harmonic and using a 2:1 CML frequency divider. The chip achieves in measurement a phase noise of -118.5 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from 12.19 GHz carrier and a phase deviation of less than 1°. It is realized in 0.13 μm SiGe BiCMOS technology and consumes only 55 mA from a single 1.8 V supply, including VCO, buffers and frequency divider. The chip occupies only 1.13 mm
²
including pads. The proposed solution is suitable for backhaul communication transceivers operating around 12 GHz.