A 122-242GHz Dynamic Frequency Divider in an Advanced BiCMOS Technology

In this paper a divide-by-2 dynamic frequency divider design in an advanced BiCMOS technology is presented. It operates from 122 GHz to 242 GHz, resulting in a bandwidth of 120 GHz and draws 47.2mA from a 3.3V supply. The divider including bias circuits consumes an area 130μm x 130 μm. To demonstrate the operation at higher frequencies a fundamental oscillator with a divide-by-4 divider chain is introduced. The oscillator delivers a signal at 242 GHz that has sufficient power to demonstrate the operation of the dynamic divider chain, which contains a second divider stage, optimized for lower frequencies.