Multi-Band Signal Generation Using Reconfigurable Harmonics in Coupled Oscillator Loops

This letter presents a configurable harmonic millimeter-wave integrated signal source architecture that leverages the dynamics of a coupled oscillator (CO) loop to selectively generate either the first, second, or third harmonic output. A startup procedure is described, to initialize the signal source in a desired mode following a random start. A proof-of-concept signal source is designed and fabricated in a 22-nm FDSOI process to demonstrate the proposed architecture. Fundamental and second harmonic signals at 77 and 154 GHz, respectively, are measured in their individual dominant oscillation modes. Six distinct oscillation modes are measured, and the oscillation frequency is tuned using the phase control in the loop, both of which validate the underlying principle of the signal source.