A Parametric MEMS Oscillator-Based Super-Regenerative Receiver Front-End

The use of parametric oscillator start-up principles applied to a MEMS-based super-regenerative receiver front-end obviates the need for a positive feedback sustaining amplifier and permits OOK input detection with sensitivity better than -67 dBm using only 15 μW of pump power, which is 33 times smaller than the previous published mark of 490 μW using MEMS [1]. Here, removal of the sustaining amplifier (and its 489 μW) and instigation of oscillator start-up via parametric means permit use of a much lower power oscillator, e.g., a ring oscillator, to pump the RF front-end detecting resonator at double its resonance frequency while retaining acceptable receiver sensitivity. The substantial reduction in power consumption afforded by this method is compelling for IoT applications, where power is paramount, especially for wireless communications.