A novel tuning concept for wideband VCOs based on a shunt-FET

A novel tuning concept for wideband voltage controlled oscillators based on a shunt-FET is presented in this paper. The concept is demonstrated in a fundamental W-Band VCO, operating at 91 GHz with a relative tuning bandwidth of 10 % and an output power of 3.0 ± 0.5 dBm. By laser-adjustment of the resonator line length the bandwidth can be increased up to 15.4 %. In this case an output power of -1.6 to 3.3 dBm has been obtained. The phase noise varies from -45.8 to -59.4 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset from the carrier frequency over the full tuning range.