Analysis and Minimization of Flicker Noise Up-Conversion in Voltage-Biased Oscillators

作者：Pepe Federico^*; Bonfanti Andrea; Levantino Salvatore; Samori Carlo; Lacaita Andrea L

来源：IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, 2013, 61(6): 2382-2394.

DOI：10.1109/TMTT.2013.2259257

• AM-to-PM conversion
• cyclostationary noise
• flicker noise
• phase noise
• voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO)

Traditional design of voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) can lead to unacceptable degradation of the 1/f(3) phase-noise component when a broad tuning range is required. In this paper, the flicker noise up-conversion mechanisms in a voltage-biased topology are deeply investigated, providing general design guidelines for its mitigation. An improved VCO architecture is then introduced, where a segmented transconductor tailors the excess gain depending on the operating range to ensure that 1/f noise up-conversion remains minimal over the tuning range. The solution covers both fourth-generation and WiMAX 2.5-GHz bands and leads to a 10-dB reduction of the 1/f(3) phase noise with respect to a traditional design without impairing the 1/f(2) phase-noise performance.

• 出版日期2013-6