On the Phase Noise Performance of Transformer-Based CMOS Differential-Pair Harmonic Oscillators

The white noise to phase noise conversion of one- and two-port CMOS differential-pair harmonic oscillators with transformer-based resonators is addressed in this paper. First, the operation of double-tuned transformer resonators is reviewed and design guidelines are proposed to maximize the quality factor. A rigorous approach is then employed to approximate the transformer network with a second or...