A new 5 GHz CMOS dual-modulus prescaler

A new prescaler based on an improved phase switching method is proposed. It reduces the complexity of the existing phase switching architecture, while maintaining robust control during operation. Different from the conventional way, in the new prescaler, the duty cycle of the switched signal is manually modified in advance to reduce the error window, and, as a result, the operating speed and power consumption can be well-balanced and free of glitches. The proposed divide-by 7/8 prescaler, using the Chartered 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS process, is capable of operating up to 5 GHz for a 1.8 V supply voltage with 10 mW power consumption.