Low-power, low-phase noise SiGe HBT static frequency divider topologies up to 100 GHz

Static 2:1 frequency dividers with different latch configurations were designed and fabricated in two SiGe HBT technologies. The self-oscillation and maximum operation frequency are found to be correlated with the f(MAX) but not with the f(T) of the technology. A self-oscillation frequency of 77 GHz, the highest among static dividers in SiGe HBT technology, is achieved with the lowest power consumption of 122 mW from 3.3 V supply. Phase noise measurements of the 100-GHz input and 50-GHz output signals indicate ideal behavior with no measurable noise contribution from the divider. All fabricated dividers feature an integrated single-ended-to-differential transformer for ease of testing, yet broadband 20 GHz-100 GHz operation is maintained.