NSGA-based parasitic-aware optimization of a 5GHz low-noise VCO

Abstract--A parasitic-aware RF synthesis tool based on a nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA) is introduced. The NSGA-based optimizer casts the design problem as a multi-objective optimization problem and offers multiple solutions along the Pareto optimal front. Monte-Carlo simulations are then performed to efficiently assess sensitivity at solution points with respect to process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) variations. An example design of a 10mW 5GHz voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) in 250nm SiGe BiCMOS achieves a 12% tuning range with a phase noise of 133dBc/Hz at 3MHz offset. The Figure-of-Merit (FOM) is 188dBc/Hz and power-frequency-tuning normalized FOM (PFTN-FOM) is -4dB.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2004
• Where: ASPDAC
• Authors: Min Chu, David J. Allstot, Jeffrey M. Huard, Kim Y. Wong
• Keywords: ASPDAC 2004, Hardware, Multi-objective Optimization Problem, Pareto Optimal Front, Power-frequency-tuning Normalized Fom