SEE Sensitivity of a 16GHz LC-Tank VCO in a 22nm FinFET Technology

Voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) are essential components of frequency synthesizers used in space-based applications. Radiation in harsh space environments can cause SEEs (single-event effects) when a charged particle hits the silicon substrate and induces a transient current within the circuit that causes erroneous behavior. Hence, it is essential to understand the radiation sensitivity of a given process in order to design circuits that can tolerate these conditions. An LC-tank VCO is designed in a 22nm FinFET process and achieves 12.5-16.8GHz tuning range and −126dBc/Hz phase noise at a 10MHz offset from a 16.0GHz carrier. SEE sensitivity is quantified with a measured VCO maximum cross-sectional area of 350um ² when testing with heavy ions with a linear energy transfer from 10 to 90 MeV.cm ² /mg. These results are pertinent for future radiation-hardened VCO designs in this process.