Low-Noise, High-Frequency VCO and Multiplier Designs for mm-Wave Radar Applications: Circuit and System Considerations

High-performance Voltage-Controlled Oscillators (VCOs) and frequency multiplier circuits are crucial components in mm-wave Frequency-Modulated Continuous-Wave (FMCW) radar systems. This talk will delve into the design considerations and circuit architectures for low-noise, high-frequency VCOs and multipliers, with a focus on 60GHz and 77GHz CMOS implementations. We will discuss key system-level tradeoffs, such as phase noise, tuning range, and power consumption, and present lessons learned from the development of high-performance mm-wave radar front-ends. The presentation will provide valuable insights for engineers and researchers working on mm-wave radar systems and high-frequency circuit design.