Optimization-Based Design of RF-VCOs with Tapered Inductors

Citation:
Pereira, P., F. Passos, and H. M. Fino, "Optimization-Based Design of RF-VCOs with Tapered Inductors", Performance Optimization Techniques in Analog, Mixed-Signal, and Radio-Frequency Circuit Design, Hershey, PA, USA, IGI Global, pp. 134 - 157, 2015.

Abstract:

Voltage-Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) are widely used in wireless transceivers. Due to the stringent specifications regarding phase-noise, LC-VCOs are usually adopted. The need for maximizing phase-noise as well as minimizing the power consumption makes imperious the adoption of optimization-based design methodologies. For the optimization of the LC-VCO characteristics, special attention must be paid to the integrated inductor design, since its quality factor may have a strong influence in the LC-VCO phase-noise. Furthermore, designers must ensure that the higher limit of VCO operating frequency is sufficiently below the inductor resonant frequency. In this chapter, a study on the influence of the quality factor of the inductors on the LC-VCO overall behavior is presented. Then, optimization of integrated inductors by exploring the inductor geometric layout is presented. Finally, results obtained for the design of an LC-VCO in 130nm Technology using a previously optimized inductor are presented.

Notes:

DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-6627-6.ch006

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