Phase noise analysis for a mm-wave VCO configuration

Abstract

The letter highlights the importance of modelling the phase noise of an oscillator using the impulse sensitivity function. A Colpitts oscillator in the common collector configuration is analyzed to obtain an expression for its phase noise. The oscillator design is thus optimized for phase noise with respect to process and design parameters. The fabricated voltage controlled oscillator at an oscillating frequency of 52.8 GHz has a measured phase noise of -98.9 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset.