Analysis and design of impulse signal generator based on current-mode excitation and transmission line resonator

A novel pulse generation method based on current-mode excitation circuit and transmission line resonator is proposed. The technique aims at an efficient pulse generation with high center frequency for applications with low duty cycle. It features quick starting time and zero stand-by power. As opposed to conventional voltage-mode pulse generation, the proposed current-mode technique reduces loss from parasitic capacitance of the excitation circuit, so that the energy conversion efficiency is increased. In addition, the excitation circuit size is smaller compared to the voltage-mode. The analyses of Q factor, oscillation frequency and energy conversion efficiency are discussed. The design methodology for the pulse generator is explained, followed by the demonstration of three pulse generator prototypes at 12 GHz oscillation frequency. The pulse generator is implemented by 0.18 μm\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$$\upmu \hbox {m}$$\end{document} CMOS flipped on quartz substrate. The measurement results show the energy conversion efficiency of 3.13 %, with the energy consumption of 1.06 pJ/pulse.