A robust low phase noise K_u band VCO with 23.3% tuning range for E-band and V-band backhaul transceivers

Abstract

This paper presents a Ku band Gm boosted Colpitts VCO designed in IBM 0.13μm SiGe BiCMOS8hp technology for E-Band and V-band backhaul transceivers. The VCO achieves 23.3% tuning range, covering 15.2 - 19.2 GHz while maintaining low phase noise. Measured phase noise at 10 MHz is lower than -133 dBc/Hz at 25°C. The VCO shows robust behaviour to temperature variations, with a measured frequency drift of less than 15 ppm/°C. The power consumption is 51.4mW and calculated FOM is -183.5 dBc/Hz.