Progress towards fully on-chip frequency-stabilization for sub-terahertz sources

Morteza Tavakoli Taba, Zainulabideen Khalifa, S. M.Hossein Naghavi, Ehsan Afshari

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

All promising applications of sub-terahertz (sub-THz) and millimeter-wave (mm-wave) systems, from molecular spectroscopy with absolute spectral specificity, high-resolution imaging and sensing, and ultra-high-speed communications, require the design of frequency-stabilized signal generators. In this paper, we review the recent progress made in UNIC group at the University of Michigan, to implement stabilized-frequency signal generators at sub-THz frequencies. First, we report a coherent imaging transceiver at 319-323 GHz, which utilizes a conventional phase-locked loop technique for frequency locking. It achieves radiated power of 2 mW with the total DC power consumption of 605 mW. To eliminate the frequency divider and off-chip reference in the PLL loop, we report another work based on the new idea of on-chip frequency stabilization feedback. It is a 308-317 GHz frequency stabilized high-output-power radiating array with peak-radiated power of 4.6 mW and total DC power consumption of 1.18 W. All of the above circuits are fabricated using 130 nm SiGe:C BiCMOS technology.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2020 IEEE 20th Topical Meeting on Silicon Monolithic Integrated Circuits in RF Systems, SiRF 2020
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages30-34
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781728121291
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2020
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

Name2020 IEEE 20th Topical Meeting on Silicon Monolithic Integrated Circuits in RF Systems, SiRF 2020

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 IEEE.

Keywords

  • Phase-Locked Loop (PLL)
  • SiGe BiCMOS
  • frequency divider
  • frequency stabilization
  • off-chip reference
  • signal source
  • sub-terahertz and millimeter-wave

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Hardware and Architecture
  • Signal Processing
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

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