A 77/79-GHz Frequency Generator in 16-nm CMOS for FMCW Radar Applications Based on a 26-GHz Oscillator with Co-Generated Third Harmonic

This paper presents a digitally controlled frequency generator for dual frequency-band radar system that is optimized for 16 nm FinFET CMOS. It is based on a 21% wide tuning range, fine-resolution DCO with only switchable metal capacitors. A third-harmonic boosting DCO simultaneously generates 22.5–28 GHz and sufficiently strong 68–84 GHz signals to satisfy short-range radar (SRR) and medium/long range radar (M/LRR) requirements. The 20.2 mW DCO emits -97 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from 77 GHz, while fully satisfying metal density rules. It occupies 0.07 mm
²
, thus demonstrating both 43% power and 47% area reductions. The phase noise and FoM
T
(figure-of-merit with tuning range) are improved by 1.8 dB and 0.2 dB, respectively, compared to state-of-the-art.