Research > Faculty Projects

Low Power, Low Phase-Noise MEMS-Based Quadrature VCO

Principal Investigator
Brian Otis

Sponsor(s)
Center for Design of
Analog-Digital Integrated Circuits (CDADIC)

Award Period
09/16/2006 - 09/30/2008

Abstract
This project is a systematic study exploring the benefits of MEMS technologies in portable wireless applications. As the MEMS field evolves, new technologies and devices are constantly emerging. To date, there has been little study regarding the relative usefulness of these new devices and whether their cost and complexity is warranted in any given system. We propose a comprehensive study of the performance and reliability of MEMS-assisted circuit design as compared with traditional RF circuit design techniques. In this study, we will analyze, design, and fabricate an innovative low power, low phase-noise quadrature voltage-controlled oscillator for wireless communications. This work will help the member companies evaluate whether the additional expense of MEMS process options is justified.

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