An asymmetrical double-gate VCO with wide frequency range

Independently-controlled double-gate devices using asymmetrical (n+/p+) gates are applied to the design of a novel VT-controlled voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The VCO supports high operating frequencies and a wide tuning range. The back gates of the asymmetrical double-gate devices are used to modulate the threshold voltages of the front gate devices. A two-fold frequency tuning range is observed without the complexity of additional devices, resulting in improved performance, noise immunity, and power efficiency over conventional well/body bias techniques. These results are validated through mixed-mode MEDICI simulations. ©2006 IEEE.