Acronym · Analog, RF & Mixed-Signal
DCO (Digitally-Controlled Oscillator)
An oscillator tuned by a digital word rather than an analog voltage, usually via a switched capacitor bank. It is the core of all-digital PLLs, which avoid analog loop filters and port easily between process nodes.
- Type
- Acronym
- Domain
- Analog, RF & Mixed-Signal, Clocking and timing
Notes
All-digital PLLs built around DCOs became attractive below 65 nm as analog charge pumps suffered from shrinking supply headroom.
Related terms
- VCO
- PLL
- Ring oscillator
- Phase noise
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