Performance Analysis of MEMS Based Oscillator for High Frequency Wireless Communication Systems

The frequency oscillator is a basic component found in many electrical, electronic, and communications circuits and systems. Oscillators come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the frequency range employed in a given application. Some applications need oscillators that generate low frequencies and other applications need oscillators that generate extremely high and high frequencies. As a result of the expansion and speed of modern technologies, new oscillators appeared that operating at extremely high frequencies. Most wireless communication systems are constrained in their performance by the accuracy and stability of the reference frequency. Because of its compatibility with silicon, micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) is the preferred technology for circuit integration and power reduction. MEMS are a rapidly evolving area of advanced microelectronics. The integration of electrical and mechanical components at the micro size is referred to as a MEMS. MEMS based oscillators have demonstrated tremendous high frequency application potential in recent years. This is owing to their great characteristics such as small size, integration of CMOS IC technology, high frequency-quality factor product, low power consumption, and cheap batch manufacturing cost. This paper's primary objective is to describe the performance of MEMS oscillator technology in high-frequency applications, as well as to discuss the challenges of developing a new MEMS oscillator capable of operating at gigahertz frequencies

Designing a new high gain CMOS amplifier towards a 17.22 MHz MEMS based Si oscillator for a cost effective clock generator IC

A novel sustaining amplifier is designed and characterized for a Si-based MEMS resonator, in implementing a reference oscillator in 180 nm CMOS process. A two port electrical model of the MEMS resonator is used to compute the insertion loss (-76 dB) and phase shift (95 degrees). Total open loop transimpedance gain is achieved as 122 dB Omega with -70 degrees phase shift, at the resonant frequency of 17.22 MHz. This amount of gain is investigated as capable to sustain MEMS resonator's oscillation, in the realization of a cost effective, miniaturized and low power CMOS reference oscillator which oversees on application in clock generation