A dual-mode CPW resonator for 60 GHz broadband standing-wave VCO applications

A novel dual-mode modified differential coplanar waveguide (CPW) resonator, which can be used in millimeter-wave broad-band VCO designs, is presented. A fully-integrated 60 GHz standing-wave VCO based on this new structure was designed, manufactured, and tested. The circuit was fabricated in a 90-nm CMOS technology. The design and measurement results demonstrated that using this new standing-wave resonator with dual-mode differential CPW topology, instead of a traditional LC-tank, can reduce the VCO size, increase the tuning range, and lower the phase noise. Measured results show that the VCO can achieve a tuning range of 7.5%, a Figure Of Merit (FOM) of -183.9 dBc/Hz @10 kHz, and a compact size as small as 350 μm × 550 μm.