Analysis and design of a 50-ghz 2:1 CMOS CML static frequency divider based on LC-tank

Abstract

In this paper, a 2:1 current model logic (CML) frequency divider operating at frequencies up to 50 GHz is reported. A novel circuit topology is employed, which consists of the conventional CML structure with LC-tank components as the output load of the divider. An analytical model of the proposed frequency divider is developed and a new method is presented to estimate the divider's performance. The proposed CML frequency divider contains four spiral inductors and is fabricated on standard 130-nm CMOS technology. The division range of the proposed divider was measured from 30 GHz to 50 GHz with 11.7 mW power dissipation at a 1.5-V supply voltage.