The optimum power conversion efficiency and associated gain of an LC CMOS oscillator

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingsChapterpeer-review

Abstract

According to the well known Barkhausen criteria, an oscillator requires a loop gain of greater than 1 to start up. In order to ensure start-up, the literature invariably advises a gain value of around 3. However, no valid argument exists to support this figure. This work demonstrates that this figure, in the case of the voltage-biased differential LC CMOS oscillator, may have some physical significance. Using a simplified model of the oscillator, a direct relationship between gain and power conversion efficiency is established. It it shown that the oscillator has a unique power conversion efficiency maximum and that this maximum corresponds to a gain of approximately 2.75. Extensive SpectreRF simulations support the claims.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationISCAS 2006
Subtitle of host publication2006 IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems, Proceedings
Pages2633-2636
Number of pages4
Publication statusPublished - 2006
EventISCAS 2006: 2006 IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems - Kos, Greece
Duration: 21 May 200624 May 2006

Publication series

NameProceedings - IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems
ISSN (Print)0271-4310

Conference

ConferenceISCAS 2006: 2006 IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems
Country/TerritoryGreece
CityKos
Period21/05/0624/05/06

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