A 6.7 μW Low-Noise, Compact PLL with an Input MEMS-Based Reference Oscillator Featuring a High-Resolution Dead/Blind Zone-Free PFD
2024

Low-Power Phase-Locked Loop with MEMS Oscillator

publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Kira Ahmed, Elsayed Mohannad Y., Allidina Karim, Chodavarapu Vamsy P., El-Gamal Mourad N.

Primary Institution: McGill University

Hypothesis

The study investigates the design and performance of a low-power phase-locked loop (PLL) using a MEMS-based reference oscillator.

Conclusion

The proposed PLL design achieves low power consumption and high resolution, making it suitable for modern electronic applications.

Supporting Evidence

  • The PLL consumes only 6.709 μW at a 1 V supply.
  • The system achieves phase noises of −106.21 dBc/Hz and −135.36 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz and 1 MHz offsets, respectively.
  • The proposed PFD design eliminates dead/blind zones, improving performance.
  • The PLL operates with a reference frequency of 6.89 MHz and an output frequency of 110.2 MHz.
  • The design is fabricated using a TSMC 65 nm CMOS process.

Takeaway

This study shows how to make a tiny, energy-efficient timing device using a special type of oscillator that doesn't waste power.

Methodology

The study involved designing and fabricating a PLL using a MEMS oscillator and testing its performance in terms of power consumption and phase noise.

Limitations

The study does not address the long-term stability of the PLL under varying environmental conditions.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/s24247963

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