CoreHW

Radiation-Hardened Wideband SiGe VCOs for Low Phase Noise

CoreVCO is a VCO chip integrating two radiation-hardened wideband SiGe VCOs: VCOBJT and VCOPMOS. It combines wide frequency ranges, low phase noise, intrinsic radiation tolerance, SPI control, and digital calibration for space and other critical RF environments.

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0.7–6.6 GHz

VCOBJT frequency range

0.9–3.5 GHz

VCOPMOS frequency range

<−112 / <−114 dBc/Hz

Phase noise at 2 GHz and 100 kHz offset

COREVCO OVERVIEW

Overview

CoreVCO includes two wideband radiation-hardened SiGe VCOs:

  • VCOBJT: 0.7–6.6 GHz
  • VCOPMOS: 0.9–3.5 GHz

Both VCOs support frequency selection through digital tuning words and analog tuning voltage. VCOBJT and VCOPMOS are also available as silicon IPs. CoreVCO combines low phase noise, wide frequency coverage, and intrinsic radiation tolerance for demanding applications, including space and military communications.

COREVCO ARCHITECTURE

Block diagram

TECHNICAL FEATURES

Technical features

  • Two radiation-hardened wideband VCOs: VCOBJT and VCOPMOS
  • VCOBJT phase noise below −112 dBc/Hz at 2 GHz and 100 kHz offset
  • VCOPMOS phase noise below −114 dBc/Hz at 2 GHz and 100 kHz offset
  • Single 5.0 V supply
  • Integrated bandgap reference and LDOs with power-down mode
  • Broadband matched RF outputs delivering +2 dBm at 2 GHz
  • 6 dB output-power adjustment
  • SPI control interface
  • Digital calibration for temperature and process variations
  • Current consumption below 120 mA
  • QFN48 package, 6 mm × 6 mm

TARGET APPLICATIONS

Applications

  • Satellite communications
  • Space applications
  • Microwave radios
  • Military end use
  • Wireless systems, including GSM, WCDMA, LTE, WLAN, and Bluetooth®
  • Automotive
  • Industrial

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

VCOBJT operates from 0.7–6.6 GHz, while VCOPMOS operates from 0.9–3.5 GHz.

COREVCO INTEGRATION

Discuss Your VCO Requirement with CoreHW

Need a radiation-hardened, wideband VCO for a space, satellite, military, or other critical RF application?

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