A Monolithic Sub-sampling PLL based 6–18 GHz Frequency Synthesizer for C, X, Ku Band Communication

Abstract

A monolithic frequency synthesizer with wide tuning range, low phase noise and spurs was realized in 0.13 μm CMOS technology. It consists of an analog PLL, a harmonic-rejection mixer and injection-locked frequency doublers to cover the whole 6–18 GHz frequency range. To achieve a low phase noise performance, a sub-sampling PLL with non-dividers was employed. The synthesizer can achieve phase noise -113.7 dBc/Hz@100 kHz in the best case and the reference spur is below -60 dBc. The core of the synthesizer consumes about 110 mA*1.2 V.