Abstract: In one embodiment, this disclosure describes a frequency synthesizer for use in a wireless communication device, or similar device that requires precision frequency synthesis but small amounts of noise. In particular, the frequency synthesizer may include a phase locked loop (PLL) and an integrated voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The frequency synthesizer may implement one or more amplitude calibration techniques prior to enabling the PLL. For example, an amplitude calibration unit may be used to selectively activate switched unit current sources within a tail current source of the VCO. In this manner, the amplitude the signal generated by the oscillator can be adjusted without requiring closed-loop amplitude monitoring or control.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for performing coarse frequency tuning in a voltage controlled oscillator. The methods and apparatus are directed towards the use of a new voltage controlled oscillator comprising both a binary coding module and a thermometer coding module. The combination of the binary coding module and the thermometer coding module control a capacitance corresponding to a resonant tank which is used to coarse tune the frequency of the voltage controlled oscillator.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a local oscillator (LO) frequency in a zero intermediate frequency (IF) receiver or transmitter is presented. A signal is received from a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The signal has a VCO frequency. The VCO frequency is divided by a number N to produce a signal having a divided-down frequency. The signal having the VCO frequency is then mixed with the signal having the divided-down frequency to produce an output signal having an output frequency. Local oscillator leakage is reduced. Thus, the receiver or transmitter may operate in multiple wireless communication bands and modes and meet the associated specifications.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a local oscillator (LO) frequency in a zero intermediate frequency (IF) receiver or transmitter is presented. A signal is received from a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The signal has a VCO frequency. The VCO frequency is divided by a number N to produce a signal having a divided-down frequency. The signal having the VCO frequency is then mixed with the signal having the divided-down frequency to produce an output signal having an output frequency. Local oscillator leakage is reduced. Thus, the receiver or transmitter may operate in multiple wireless communication bands and modes and meet the associated specifications.