0.8 V PLL-based automatic frequency tuning system for current-mode filters

A wide-range automatic frequency tuning system for current-mode filters is proposed in this paper. The cutoff frequency of the tunable filter is controlled by an external reference signal and is locked in the desired frequency through a current-mode based phase locked loop (PLL) circuit. Although the PLL operates in a relatively narrow band, the total tuning range of the topology is extended by interpolating an automatic frequency detector after the reference input and before the PLL. The use of current controlled oscillator, based on same blocks with those in the filter, offers accuracy and feasible design in the control path. The topology has been simulated using MOS transistor models for a 130 nm CMOS technology in 0.8 V supply voltage. The achieved overall automatic tuning range was from 2.3 MHz to 660 MHz.