applied

sciences
Article
Voltage-Mode and Current-Mode Resistorless
Third-Order Quadrature Oscillator
Hua-Pin Chen 1, *, Yuh-Shyan Hwang 2 and Yi-Tsen Ku 2
1 Department of Electronic Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei 24301, Taiwan
2 Department of Electronic Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan;
yshwang@ntut.edu.tw (Y.-S.H.); joshua90703@ntut.edu.tw (Y.-T.K.)
* Correspondence: hpchen@mail.mcut.edu.tw; Tel.: +886-2-2908-9899; Fax: +886-2-2908-5247

Academic Editor: Antonio Maffucci

Received: 31 December 2016; Accepted: 6 February 2017; Published: 13 February 2017

Abstract: This paper presents the realization of a resistorless third-order quadrature oscillator
using two multiple-output current controlled current conveyor transconductance amplifiers
(MO-CCCCTAs) and three grounded capacitors. The proposed circuit provides two quadrature
voltage outputs, two high-impedance quadrature current outputs, and one high-impedance
amplitude-controllable current output. The proposed oscillator satisfies the industrial requirement
for amplifier and modulation signals and phase shift keying signals, when the input bias current
of the second MO-CCCCTA is used as a modulating signal. Its oscillation condition and oscillation
frequency can be adjusted independently by two different bias currents of MO-CCCCTAs. The
structure of resistorless and only grounded capacitors suggests that the proposed oscillator can be
easily implemented in an integrated circuit.

Keywords: quadrature oscillator; CCCCTA; voltage-mode; current-mode; modulation

1. Introduction
A quadrature sinusoidal oscillator is a very important active element for communication,
instrumentation, and measurement systems, and can be employed in a quadrature mixer and a
single-sideband modulator of telecommunications [1,2]. In communication systems, a sinusoidal
oscillator can generate an amplitude-controllable sinusoidal signal, which can be used to apply the
carrier signal for amplitude modulation (AM) and amplitude shift keying (ASK) signal systems [3].
Recently, current conveyors are receiving considerable attention due to their potential advantages, such
as inherently wide bandwidth, high slew-rate, good linearity, wide dynamic range, simple circuitry,
and low power consumption [4]. This interesting active element, based on second-generation current
conveyor transconductance amplifiers (CCIITA) [5], has been introduced to provide new possibilities
in the realization of a class of analog signal processing circuits. This CCIITA can provide flexibility in
operating both current and voltage modes, and can enable a variety of circuit designs and provides
electronic tuning ability through its transconductance gain, gm . However, the CCIITA cannot control
the parasitic resistance, RX , at X port. Hence, when the CCIITA is used in some circuits, it must
unavoidably require some external passive components, especially with the resistors. In contrast,
the introduced current-controlled current conveyor transconductance amplifier (CCCCTA) [5,6] has
two electronically adjustable ports, whereas the CCIITA has only one electronically adjustable port.
The parasitic resistance, RX , at current input port of the CCCCTA can be adjusted by an input bias
current, which does not require a resistor in practical applications. Intuitively, the CCCCTA is a
versatile active building block, which provides the possibility of utilizing its transconductance gain,
gm , and its equivalent input resistance, namely parasitic resistance, RX , to create a resistorless oscillator

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 179; doi:10.3390/app7020179 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 179 2 of 18

scheme. The multiple current output terminals of the CCCCTA can be easily obtained by adding
additional current mirrors at these output terminals.
Electronically tunable active components are receiving more attention as traditional electronic
components may have deviations in fine-tuning the tolerances of the electronic components [7].
The electronically tunable active components of the previous second-order oscillators include second
generation current controlled conveyors (CCCIIs) [8,9]; operational transconductance amplifiers
(OTAs) [10]; current differencing buffered amplifiers (CDBAs) [11,12]; the CCIITA [13]; current
differencing transconductance amplifiers (CDTAs) [14–19]; multiple-output current controlled current
conveyor transconductance amplifiers (MO-CCCCTAs) [20]; and voltage differencing transconductance
amplifiers (VDTAs) [21]. These circuits were used to design the second-order quadrature current
outputs, quadrature voltage outputs, or both quadrature current and voltage outputs. In addition to
all of the above second-order quadrature oscillators, several third-order quadrature oscillators have
also been proposed [22–32].
The third-order oscillators have higher accuracy, higher quality factor, and lower harmonic
distortion than the second-order oscillators [22,23]. However, the third-order oscillator in Figure 7
of Reference [22] uses three OTAs and three grounded capacitors. The third-order oscillator in
Reference [23] uses four multiple-output second-generation current-controlled conveyors (MO-CCCIIs)
and three grounded capacitors. The third-order oscillator in Figure 1 of Reference [24] uses three
second-generation current conveyors (CCIIs), five grounded resistors and three capacitors. The
third-order oscillator in Reference [25] uses two MO-CCCCTAs and three grounded capacitors.
The third-order oscillator in Figure 3 of Reference [26] uses three voltage controlled differential
voltage current conveyors (VC-DVCCs) and three grounded capacitors. The third-order oscillator in
Reference [27] uses three MO-CCCIIs and three grounded capacitors. The third-order oscillator
in Reference [28] uses three multiple-output current differencing transconductance amplifiers
(MO-CDTAs) and three grounded capacitors. Although the third-order oscillator in Reference [29]
uses two multiple-output second-generation current conveyors (MO-CCIIs), three resistors, and
three grounded capacitors, one of the resistors is a floating connection. The third-order oscillator in
Reference [30] uses three multiple-output differential voltage current conveyors (MO-DVCCs), three
resistors, and three grounded capacitors; however, one of the resistors is also a floating connection.
The oscillator in Figure 2 of Reference [31] uses three operational transresistance amplifiers (OTRAs),
four resistors and three capacitors; however, not all of the resistors and capacitors are grounded.
In 2015, two new third-order quadrature oscillators were proposed [32], which employed two
multiple-output differential voltage current conveyor transconductance amplifiers (MO-DVCCTAs),
one/two resistors, and three grounded capacitors. However, these circuits [22–32] suffered from one or
more of the following drawbacks: (i) the inclusion of three/four active components [22–24,26–28,30,31];
(ii) the lack of both a voltage-mode and current-mode quadrature oscillator in one circuit topology [22–25,31];
(iii) the lack of a resistorless oscillator [24,29–32]; (iv) the lack of an independently electronically
tunable for the oscillation condition and frequency [22,24,30,32]; (v) the lack of amplitude-controllable
for output current signal [22–32]; and (vi) the lack of quadrature voltage outputs, quadrature current
outputs, and a high-impedance amplitude-controllable current output in one circuit topology [22–32],
especially, the electronically controllable amplitude of the sinusoidal current output signal that can be
easily used in AM/ASK systems.
In this paper, a new approach to realize third-order quadrature oscillators using a lossy
integrator and two lossless integrators is proposed. The proposed third-order quadrature resistorless
oscillator employs two MO-CCCCTAs and three grounded capacitors. The proposed third-order
quadrature oscillator has the following seven advantages simultaneously: (i) it contains only two
active components and three grounded capacitors; (ii) it has both voltage-mode and current-mode
third-order sinusoidal quadrature oscillator in the same topology; (iii) it achieves quadrature voltage
outputs, quadrature current outputs, and a high-impedance amplitude-controllable current output in
one circuit topology; (iv) it has independent electronically tunable characteristics for the condition of
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 179 3 of 18

oscillation (CO) and the frequency of oscillation (FO); (v) it provides a high-impedance current output
of adjustable magnitude, without effecting the CO and FO and is suitable for AM/ASK modulations;
(vi) it uses only grounded capacitors; and (vii) it holds low active and passive sensitivity performances.
Tables 1 and 2 compare the main features of the proposed circuit with previous third-order sinusoidal
oscillators [22–32].

Table 1. Number of component and number of output signal comparisons with previous
third-order oscillators.

No. of Components Used No. of Output Signals Used

Reference
Active Elements C/R/Resistorless Structure Voltage Current
[22] Figure 7 3 OTAs 3/0/yes 1 0
[23] 4 MO-CCCIIs 3/0/yes 0 4
[24] Figure 1 3 CCIIs 3/5/no 2 0
[25] 2 MO-CCCCTAs 3/0/yes 0 2
[26] Figure 2 3 MO-DVCCs 3/3/no 5 2
[26] Figure 3 3 VC-DVCCs 3/0/yes 3 2
[27] 3 MO-CCCIIs 3/0/yes 2 4
[28] 3 MO-CDTAs 3/0/yes 2 2
[29] 2 MO-CCIIs 3/3/no 2 2
[30] 3 MO-DVCCs 3/3/no 2 4
[31] Figure 3 3 OTRAs 3/5/no 2 0
[32] Figure 4a 2 MO-DVCCTAs 3/1/no 3 3
[32] Figure 4b 2 MO-DVCCTAs 3/2/no 3 3
This work 2 MO-CCCCTAs 3/0/yes 2 3

Table 2. Characteristic comparisons with previous third-order oscillators.

Electronic Tuning FO Independent Control Controllable Amplitude

Reference
without Disturbing CO of CO and FO of AM/ASK
[22] Figure 7 no no no
[23] yes yes no
[24] Figure 1 no no no
[25] yes yes no
[26] Figure 2 no yes no
[26] Figure 3 yes yes no
[27] yes yes no
[28] yes yes no
[29] no yes no
[30] no no no
[31] Figure 3 no yes no
[32] Figure 4a no yes no
[32] Figure 4b no no no
This work yes yes yes

2. Proposed Method
The proposed realization of a third-order quadrature oscillator is shown in Figure 1, and consists
of a current-mode lossy integrator and two current-mode lossless integrators. The system can be
analyzed as:
I2 − a I3 b I c
= , = , 1 = (1)
I1 s + a I2 s I4 s
b
I4 = I2 + I3 = (1 + ) I2 (2)
s
Equation (1) shows the functions of one current-mode inverting lossy integrator and two
current-mode non-inverting lossless integrators in the functional block diagram. Substitute Equation
(1) into Equation (2), and obtain the relationship between I1 and I4 currents as:

I1 I1 c
= b
= (3)
I4 (1 + s ) I2 s
Appl. Sci. 2016, 6, 179 4 of 18

I1 I1 c
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 179 = = 4 of 18
I 4 (1 + b )I s (3)
2
s
Rearrange Equation (3), and yield the transfer function between I1 and I2 currents as follows:
Rearrange Equation (3), and yield the transfer function between I1 and I2 currents as follows:
I1 b c s+b c
I= (1 + b )(c ) = s(+ b c)( ) (4)
I2 1 = (1 + s )( s) = ( s)( ) s (4)
I2 s s s s
Then, the characteristic equation of the functional block diagram in Figure 1 can be expressed as:
Then, the characteristic equation of the functional block diagram in Figure 1 can be expressed as:
s3s 3++ as 2
as 2 + acs++abc
+ acs abc= =
0 0 (5)(5)
From
FromEquation
Equation(5),
(5),the
theCO
COand
andthe
theFO
FOare
areobtained
obtainedas
asfollows:
follows:
CO: a = b (6)
CO: a = b (6)
FO: ωo = √
bc (7)
FO : ωo = bc (7)

A −a
I1 s+a
B b I2 C c
I2 I3 I4
s s D

Functionalblock
Figure1.1.Functional
Figure blockdiagram
diagramfor
forrealizing
realizingthird-order
third-orderquadrature
quadratureoscillators.
oscillators.

3.3.Circuit
CircuitDescriptions
Descriptions
TheCCCCTA
The CCCCTA isis an an active
active building
buildingblock,
block,which
whichisisuseful
usefulininsimplifying
simplifyingthe thecircuit
circuitdesign.
design.
TheCCCCTA
The CCCCTA device deviceintegrates
integratesaaCCCIICCCIIand andan anOTA
OTA intointo aa versatile
versatile component
componentto to facilitate
facilitatethethe
implementation
implementation of analog signal-processing circuits. The CCCCTA does not
analog signal-processing circuits. The CCCCTA does not need a resistor in need a resistor in practical
applications,
practical as its transconductance
applications, gain, gm , and
as its transconductance gain,parasitic
gm, and resistance, RX , are electronic
parasitic resistance, adjustable.
RX, are electronic
Figure 2 shows
adjustable. Figurethe symbol
2 shows theofsymbol
a multiple-output CCCCTACCCCTA
of a multiple-output (MO-CCCCTA) [33]. The[33].
(MO-CCCCTA) MO-CCCCTA
The MO-
properties can be expressed
CCCCTA properties can be expressed as V = V +
X as VYX = VY I R
X+X , I = I
IXRXZ, IZ =ZC1 = I
IZC1 IZC2 = I
ZC2= IX and and I
X IO1 = O1 = I
IO2 gmO2 gm V Z ,
VZ,=where
Rwhere RX parasitic
X is the is the parasitic resistance
resistance the X-terminal,
of theof X-terminal, and and
gm isgm the
is the transconductance
transconductance gainofofthe
gain the
MO-CCCCTA.The
MO-CCCCTA. Thebias currents,IISSand
biascurrents, andIBI,B ,ofofMO-CCCCTA
MO-CCCCTAcan cancontrol
controlthe theparasitic resistance,RRXX, ,
parasiticresistance,
andthe
and thetransconductance
transconductancegain, gain,ggmm, ,respectively
respectively[33,34].
[33,34].Figure
Figure33shows
showsthe theproposed
proposedschematic
schematicofofthe the
resistorless third-order
resistorless third-orderquadrature
quadratureoscillator,
oscillator,which consists
which of twoofMO-CCCCTAs
consists two MO-CCCCTAs and threeand grounded
three
capacitors.capacitors.
grounded The only groundedThe onlycapacitors
groundedwithoutcapacitors a resistor structure
without in thestructure
a resistor proposedincircuit are easily
the proposed
integrated
circuit into a single
are easily chip.into
integrated In Figure 3, the
a single transfer
chip. function,
In Figure 3, theB/A, realizes
transfer a current-mode
function, B/A, realizeslossy
aintegrator,
Appl. Sci.and
current-mode 2016,the
lossytransfer
6, 179 functions,
integrator, and the C/B and D/C,
transfer realize C/B
functions, two and
current-mode
D/C, realize lossless integrators.
two current-mode
5 of 18
lossless integrators.

Figure2.2.MO-CCCCTA
Figure symbol.
MO-CCCCTA symbol.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 179 5 of 18
Figure 2. MO-CCCCTA symbol.

Figure 3.
Figure 3. The
The proposed
proposed third-order
third-orderquadrature
quadraturesinusoidal
sinusoidaloscillator.
oscillator.
Let D = A, and the close-loop circuit analysis provides the following system characteristic equation.
Let D = A, and the close-loop circuit analysis provides the following system characteristic equation.
s3 C1sC3 C2 C
1C3 2R
CX1 R R X+
3 R X 1X2
s2 C2 2 C
2 + s C 3R
2C
+ sC2 ++ggmm1
X 2 + sC 2
3 RX2
=0
1 = 0
(8)
(8)
andthe
and theCO
COand
andFO
FOcan
canbe
beobtained
obtainedas:
as:
C
CO:g g mR1 R X 1== C22
CO: (9)
(9)
m1 X1
CC11

ggm1
r
FO:ωoω=
o =
m1
FO: (10)
(10)
RRX2 C
X2 2 2C33

As indicated by Equations (9) and (10), the CO can be adjusted by RX1 without disturbing the
As indicated by Equations (9) and (10), the CO can be adjusted by RX1 without disturbing the FO,
FO, and the FO can be controlled by RX2 without affecting the CO. In other words, the CO and FO are
and the FO can be controlled by RX2 without affecting the CO. In other words, the CO and FO are
controlled independently by the bias currents, IS1 and IS2 , respectively. As the parasitic resistances, RX1
controlled independently by the bias currents, IS1 and IS2, respectively. As the parasitic resistances,
and RX2 , of the MO-CCCCTA can be electronically controlled by IS1 and IS2 , respectively, both the CO
RX1 and RX2, of the MO-CCCCTA can be electronically controlled by IS1 and IS2, respectively, both the
and FO are independently and electronically controllable. In a steady state, the two voltage outputs
CO and FO are independently and electronically controllable. In a steady state, the two voltage
and two current outputs in Figure 3 are:
outputs and two current outputs in Figure 3 are:
V o1==−
Vo1 − jk Voo22 ,, IIo1o1 =
jk11V = jk22 Io2
o2
(11)
(11)

wherek1k1==ω
where ωooC
C22R , and k2 = ωωooC
C2
2.
X 1 , and k 2 = gm1 .
RX1
g
Equation (11) shows that the proposed
m1 circuit can obtain the quadrature voltage outputs and the
Equation
quadrature (11) shows
current outputs that the proposed circuit
simultaneously. can obtainratios
The magnitude the quadrature voltagevoltage
of the quadrature outputsoutputs
and the
quadrature
and current outputs
the quadrature simultaneously.
current outputs The magnitude
are the function ratios of the
of the operating quadrature
frequency. voltage
Thus, outputs
the value of
Rand the affect
X2 will quadrature current frequency
the oscillation outputs are andthethe
function of the
magnitude operating
ratios frequency.quadrature
of the generated Thus, the value of
signals.
However, this problem can be solved by using C1 = C2 = C3 , RX1 = RX2 , and letting the product
gm1 RX1 = 1. Subsequently, the amplitude of voltages and currents in Equation (11) are equal and
ensure k1 = k2 = 1.
The output current, Io3 , can be given as follows:

Io3 = gm2 Vo1 (12)

where the gm2 of the second MO-CCCCTA can be independently tuned by the bias current, IB2 .
This means that the gm2 -value can be tuned by IB2 , without disturbing the CO and FO. Thus, if a
modulating signal is applied to IB2 , then the AM/ASK signals can be obtained from Io3 .
From Equation (11), the magnitude of Vo2 and Vo1 or Io2 and Io1 is dependent on the factor
k1 or k2 . Therefore, the mechanism of amplitude limitation will depend on the factors k1 and k2 .
where the gm2 of the second MO-CCCCTA can be independently tuned by the bias current, IB2. This
means that the gm2-value can be tuned by IB2, without disturbing the CO and FO. Thus, if a modulating
signal is applied to IB2, then the AM/ASK signals can be obtained from Io3.
From Equation (11), the magnitude of Vo2 and Vo1 or Io2 and Io1 is dependent on the factor k1 or k2.
Therefore, the mechanism of amplitude limitation will depend on the factors k1 and k2.
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 179 6 of 18
For complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) implementation of CCCCTA [34], the RX and
gm are written as:
For complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) implementation of CCCCTA [34], the RX and
1 and g m = k gm I B
gm are written as: RX = (13)
8 k RX I S
1 q
RX = √ and gm = k gm IB (13)
8k IS
where k RX = μnCOX (W L)1, 2 = μ pCOX (W L)3, 4 ,RX
k gm = μ nCOX (W ) 20, 21 . RX is the parasitic resistance of
L
where k RX = µn COX (W L)1,2 = µ p COX (W L)3,4 , k gm = µn COX (W L)20,21 . RX is the parasitic
the X-terminal and gm is the transconductance gain of the CCCCTA. Here k is the physical
resistance of the X-terminal and gm is the transconductance gain of the CCCCTA. Here k is the
transconductance parameter of the MOS transistor. IS and IB are the bias current used to control the
physical transconductance parameter of the MOS transistor. IS and IB are the bias current used to
parasitic resistance and transconductance gain, respectively. In other words, the variation of
control the parasitic resistance and transconductance gain, respectively. In other words, the variation
CCCCTA bias current range will limit the stability of the output amplitude.
of CCCCTA bias current range will limit the stability of the output amplitude.
4. Phase
4. Phase Noise
Noise and
and Phase
Phase Error
Error Analysis
Analysis
The phase
The phase noise,
noise, which
which are
are the
the important
important performance
performance parameters
parameters ofof an
an oscillator,
oscillator, can
can be
be
calculated by
calculated by the
the method
method outlined
outlined inin Reference
Reference [35]
[35] and
and can
can be
be represented
represented inin the
the block
block diagram
diagram ofof
Figure 4. The spectral density of the phase noise is defined in Reference [35].
Figure 4. The spectral density of the phase noise is defined in Reference [35].
2
 Y 1
 Y [ j(ωo + Δω]2 =

 [Xj(ωo + ∆ω ] = 1 2
(14)
(14)
2 2dH
 2
ω) )  dH 
X
((Δ∆ω

dωdω

where
where ωωoo is oscillation frequency and ω ω == ω ∆ωisiscarrier
ωoo++Δω carrierfrequency
frequencyapproximation.
approximation.
If ( jω) )== A((ωω))exp[
If HH( jω expj[φjφ(ω(ω
)])] , then:
, then:

dHdH dA dA dφ
dφ
= =( ( ++ jA
jA ))exp[ φ ((ωω)])]
exp[jjφ (15)
(15)
dωdω dω dω dω
dω
Substitute
Substitute Equation
Equation (15)
(15) into
into Equation
Equation (14)
(14) and
and get:
get:
2 2
Y Y 11

(ω∆ω
 [ j(ω[o j+ ]ω =
o +Δ ] =

forfor
ωω ≈≈ ω
ωoo, A
A ≈≈
1 1 (16)
X X dA 2 2 dφdφ2 2 (16)
( Δω
(∆ω )2)[(2 [(dA ) )+ +
( ( ) )] ]
dωdω dωdω
The
The phase
phase noise
noise of
of the
the proposed
proposed circuit
circuit can
can be
beobtained
obtainedby
byEquations
Equations(14)–(16).
(14)–(16).

X ( jω ) H ( jω ) Y ( jω )

Figure 4. Linear
Figure 4. Linear oscillatory
oscillatory system
system in
in Reference
Reference [35].
[35].

Quadrature oscillators are widely used in communication systems due to its in-phase and
quadrature phase signals, which deviate from 90◦ . Therefore, the quadrature phase accuracy between
the two output signals should be reasonable. Generally, the in-phase and quadrature phase expressions
of the quadrature oscillator signals can be written as:

VI (t) = Vm ( I ) cos(ωt + θ ( I )) (17)

VQ (t) = Vm ( Q) cos(ωt + θ ( Q)) (18)

π
θ ( Q) − θ ( I ) = +φ (19)
2
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 179 7 of 18

where ω is the oscillation frequency and φ is the phase deviation from the quadrature signal. VI (t) is
the in-phase signal and VQ (t) is the quadrature phase signal. The phase error of the proposed circuit
can be obtained by Equations (17)–(19).

5. Non-Ideal Discussion
The terminal voltage and current relationships of the non-ideal ith MO-CCCCTA can be rewritten
as VXi = βi VYi + IXi RXi , IZi = αi IX , IZC1i = η i IXi , IO1i = γi gmi VZi and IO2i = λi gmi VZi for i = 1, 2, where βi ,
αi . γi , η i and λi represent the tracking errors of the MO-CCCCTA voltage and current, respectively [20].
The characteristic equation of the proposed circuit in Figure 3 can be rewritten as:

s3 C1 C2 C3 R X1 R X2 + s2 C2 C3 R X2 + α2 β 2 η1 sC2 + α1 α2 β 2 γ1 gm1 = 0 (20)

In this case, the CO and FO of the non-ideal oscillator can be expressed as:

η1 C2
CO: gm1 R X1 = (21)
α1 γ1 C1
s
α1 α2 β 2 γ1 gm1
FO: ωo = (22)
R X2 C2 C3
The active and passive sensitivities of the non-ideal oscillator parameters are shown as:

ω 1
Sα 0,α
2 ,β 2 ,γ1
= Sω 0 ω0
gm1 = − S R X2 ,C2 ,C3 = (23)
1 2
From Equation (23), the active and passive sensitivities are equal to 0.5, which satisfy the sensitivity
performance of the circuit.
The parasitic terminal impedances of the ith non-ideal MO-CCCCTA are (RYi //CYi ) of terminal
Yi , (RZi //CZi ) of terminal Zi , (RZC1i //CZC1i ) of terminal ZC1i , (RZC2i //CZC2i ) of terminal ZC2i ,
(RO1i //CO1i ) of terminal O1i , and (RO2i //CO2i ) of terminal O2i [20,33]. The X, Z, and O1 of the
first MO-CCCCTA terminals connect to the external C1 , C2 and C3 capacitors in parallel, respectively,
as shown in Figure 3. If C1 >> CZ2 , C2 >> CZ1 and C3 >> (CO11 + CY2 + CZC11 ), the effects of the parasitic
capacitances, CZ2 , CZ1 and CO11 , can be ignored. Hence, to minimize the effects of the MO-CCCCTA
parasitic terminal impedances, the external capacitor values should be restricted by

1
<< R Z2 (24)
s(C1 + CZ2 )

1
<< R Z1 (25)
s(C2 + CZ1 )
1
<< RO11 //RY2 //R ZC11 (26)
s(C3 + CO11 + CY2 + CZC11 )

6. Simulation Results
To verify the theoretical analysis of the proposed circuit, an H-Spice simulation with Taiwan
Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) 0.18 µm process was performed. Figure 5 shows
the CMOS schematic of a MO-CCCCTA [34], where the multiple outputs are multiple current
mirrors. The aspect ratios (W/L) of the MOS transistors of Figure 5 are given in Table 3. The supply
voltages are VDD = −VSS = 0.9 V. In order to get the fo ∼ = 2.12 MHz oscillation frequency of the
sinusoidal output waveforms, the values of the active and passive components have been chosen as
gm1 = gm2 = 133.33 µA/V (IB = 42.9 µA); RX1 = RX2 = 7.5 kΩ (IS = 3.96 µA); C1 = 10.1 pF; and C2
= C3 = 10 pF. The variation of the transconductance value changes IB from 1.5 µA to 210 µA as
depicted in Figure 6. When the bias current is larger than 160 µA, the transconductance gain is
 the CMOS schematic of a MO-CCCCTA [34], where the multiple outputs are multiple current
mirrors. The aspect ratios (W/L) of the MOS transistors of Figure 5 are given in Table 3. The supply
voltages are VDD = −VSS = 0.9 V. In order to get the fo ≅ 2.12 MHz oscillation frequency of the sinusoidal
output waveforms, the values of the active and passive components have been chosen as gm1 = gm2 =
133.33 µA/V (IB = 42.9 µA); RX1 = RX2 = 7.5 kΩ (IS = 3.96 µA); C1 = 10.1 pF; and C2 = C3 = 10 pF. The
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 179 8 of 18
variation of the transconductance value changes IB from 1.5 µA to 210 µA as depicted in Figure 6.
When the bias current is larger than 160 µA, the transconductance gain is decreased as the transistors
(M20, M21)asenter
decreased the linear (M20,
the transistors regionM21)
fromenter
a saturation
the linear region.
regionThe frommaximum
a saturation transconductance
region. The maximum gain is
approximately
transconductance 256gain
µA/V. In other words,256
is approximately whenµA/V. the In
bias current
other is larger
words, whenthan the bias160 µA,
current the is
internal
larger
construction
than 160 µA, transistors
the internalofconstruction
the MO-CCCCTA operates
transistors of theinMO-CCCCTA
the linear region, which
operates in will resultregion,
the linear in the
distortion
which willofresult the output swing. Theofsteady
in the distortion state swing.
the output output waveforms
The steady of theoutput
state quadraturewaveformsvoltagesof are
the
shown
quadraturein Figure 7 and
voltages theshown
are quadrature currents
in Figure 7 andare theshown in Figure
quadrature 8. Theare
currents oscillation
shown in frequency,
Figure 8. fThe
o, of

the simulation
oscillation results is
frequency, fo ,equal
of thetosimulation
2.11 MHz,results
which is consistent
equal to 2.11 with the theoretical
MHz, analysis. The
which is consistent withtotal
the
harmonic
theoreticaldistortion
analysis. The (THD) totalanalysis
harmonic of the Vo1, Vo2(THD)
distortion , Io1 and Io2 areof summarized
analysis the Vo1 , Vo2 , in Io1 Tables
and Io24–7,
are
respectively.
summarized Furthermore, the output current,
in Tables 4–7, respectively. Io3, can the
Furthermore, be used
output ascurrent,
an AM Ior o3 , ASK
can be signal
usedgenerator,
as an AM
when
or ASK the amplitude
signal of the
generator, inputthe
when bias current, Iof
amplitude B2, the
is applied
input biasto acurrent,
sinusoidal IB2 ,signal,
is applieda triangular signal,
to a sinusoidal
or a pulse
signal, signal. Thus,
a triangular signal,the or aproposed oscillator
pulse signal. Thus, can generate either
the proposed AMcan
oscillator or generate
ASK signals eitherwithout
AM or
additional
ASK signalselements. Figures 9 and
without additional 10 show
elements. the simulated
Figures 9 and 10 showresultstheofsimulated
the proposed resultscircuit
of theserving
proposed as
an AMserving
circuit signal as generator,
an AM signalwhengenerator,
the inputwhenbias thecurrent,
inputIB2 , iscurrent,
bias appliedIB2 to, is
a applied
sinusoidal to asignal or a
sinusoidal
triangular
signal or a signal withsignal
triangular a 200-kHz with frequency. Figure 11 shows
a 200-kHz frequency. Figurethe simulated
11 shows results of the
the simulated proposed
results of the
circuit
proposed serving
circuitas serving
an ASK as signal generator
an ASK signalwhen the input
generator whenbias thecurrent,
input bias IB2, current,
is applied IB2to a pulse
, is appliedsignal
to a
with
pulseasignal
200-kHz with frequency.
a 200-kHz frequency.

Appl. Sci. 2016, 6, 179 Figure 5.

Figure The internal
5. The internal construction
construction of
of MO-CCCCTA. 9 of 18

280
260

240
220
200
180
gm (uA/V)

160
140
120
100
80
60

40
20
0 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180 195 210
Bias current (uA)

Figure 6. 6.
Figure Variation
Variationof
oftransconductance withbias
transconductance with bias current.
current.

140m
120m
100m
80m
60m
40m
20m
ltages

0
 100
80
80
60
60
40
40
20
20
00 15
15 30
30 45
45 60
60 75
75 90
90 105
105 120
120 135
135 150
150 165
165 180
180 195
195 210
210
Bias
Bias current
current (uA)
(uA)
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 179 9 of 18
Figure 6. Variation of transconductance with bias current.

140m
140m
120m
120m
100m
100m
80m
80m
60m
60m
40m
40m
20m
20m

Voltages
Voltages
00
-- 20m
20m
-- 40m
40m
-- 60m
60m
-- 80m
80m
--100m
100m
--120m
120m
--140m
140m

96u
96u 96.2u
96.2u 96.4u
96.4u 96.6u
96.6u 96.8u
96.8u 97u
97u 97.2u
97.2u 97.4u
97.4u
Time
Time

Figure
Figure 7. Simulated
7. Simulated quadraturevoltage
quadrature voltage outputs
outputs VVo1 (blue)
o1o1 and
(blue) Vo2
and (red).
o2 V o2 (red).

18u
18u
16u
16u
14u
14u
12u
12u
10u
10u
8u
8u
6u
6u
4u
4u
2u
Currents

2u
Currents

00
−
− 2u
2u
−
− 4u
4u
−
− 6u
6u
−
− 8u
8u
−
−10u
10u
−
−12u
12u
−14u
−14u
−16u
−16u
−
−18u
18u
−− 20u
20u
96u
96u 96.2u
96.2u 96.4u
96.4u 96.6u
96.6u 96.8u
96.8u 97u
97u 97.2u
97.2u 97.4u
97.4u
Time
Time

Figure 8. Simulated
Figure quadrature
8. Simulated quadraturecurrent outputs IIo1
current outputs (blue)
(blue)
o1o1 and
and Io2 Io2 (red).
o2 (red).
Appl. Sci. 2016, 6, 179 10 of 18

30u

25u

20u

15u
Currents

10u

5u

− 5u

− 10u

− 15u

90u 91u 92u 93u 94u 95u 96u 97u 98u 99u 100u
Time

Figure 9. Simulated result of operation as an AM signal generator when IB2 is the applied
Figure 9. Simulated result of operation as an AM signal generator when IB2 is the applied
sinusoidal signal.
sinusoidal signal.
16u
14u
12u
10u
8u
6u
4u
nts
 −−15u
15u
90u
90u 91u
91u 92u
92u 93u
93u 94u
94u 95u
95u 96u
96u 97u
97u 98u
98u 99u
99u 100u
100u
Time
Time

Figure
Figure
Appl. 9.
9. Simulated
Simulated
Sci. 2017, 7, 179 result
result of
of operation
operation as
as an
an AM
AM signal
signal generator
generator when
when IIB2 is the applied
B2 is the applied
10 of 18
sinusoidal
sinusoidal signal.
signal.
16u
16u
14u
14u
12u
12u
10u
10u
8u
8u
6u
6u
4u
4u
Currents
Currents

2u
2u
00
−− 2u
2u
−− 4u
4u
−− 6u
6u
−− 8u
8u
−−10u
10u
−−12u
12u

90u 91u 92u 93u 94u

94uTime95u 96u 97u 98u 99u 100u
90u 91u 92u 93u 95u 96u 97u 98u 99u 100u
Time

Figure 10.
Figure
Figure Simulated
10. 10.
Simulated result
Simulated of
of ofoperation
result
result operation as
operation as an
as AM
an AM
an signal
AM signal generator
signalgenerator
generator when
when IB2 IIis
when is the
B2 the applied
applied
B2 is the applied
triangular
triangular signal.
triangular signal.
signal.
20u
20u

10u
10u
Currents
Currents

00

−−10u
10u

−− 20u
20u
90u
90u 91u
91u 92u
92u 93u
93u 94u
94u Time95u 96u
96u 97u
97u 98u 99u
99u 100u
100u
95u 98u
Time

Figure
Figure 11. Simulated
11. 11.
Simulated result of operation as an ASK signal generator when IIB2 is the applied
Figure Simulated result
result ofof operation
operation as anas ansignal
ASK ASKgenerator
signal when
generator when
IB2 is the appliedB2 is the applied
pulse signal.
pulse signal.
pulse signal.
Table 3. The aspect ratios of the CMOS transistors in MO-CCCCTA implementation.

Transistors L (µm) W (µm)

M1–M2 0.35 7
M3–M4 0.35 14
M5–M10 0.5 20
M11–M17, M20, M21 0.5 10
M18, M19, M27 0.8 8
M22–M26 0.8 25
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 179 11 of 18

Table 4. Total harmonic distortion analysis of Vo1 in Figure 3.

Harmonic Number Frequency (MHz) Fourier Component Phase (degree)

1 2.122 131.6570 m 152.1558
2 4.244 1.7963 m −145.6957
3 6.366 1.3875 m −16.7744
4 8.488 280.3543 u −35.0773
5 10.610 59.7176 u −158.4953
6 12.732 139.7939 u −8.9033
7 14.854 117.2583 u −9.5498
8 16.976 100.4933 u 2.8933
9 19.098 101.7488 u 8.4091
DC component = 3.419 × 10−3
Total harmonic distortion = 1.7465%

Table 5. Total harmonic distortion analysis of Vo2 in Figure 3.

Harmonic Number Frequency (MHz) Fourier Component Phase (degree)

1 2.122 131.7010 m 117.7808
2 4.244 557.7167 u 107.6894
3 6.366 591.5883 u 51.9561
4 8.488 195.7997 u 27.5504
5 10.610 71.6988 u 2.9989
6 12.732 64.9872 u 16.6679
7 14.854 67.4512 u 7.9859
8 16.976 60.2372 u 11.2194
9 19.098 51.7097 u 15.5339
DC component = −4.142 × 10−4
Total harmonic distortion = 644.0952 m%

Table 6. Total harmonic distortion analysis of Io1 in Figure 3.

Harmonic Number Frequency (MHz) Fourier Component Phase (degree)

1 2.122 17.5810 u −27.9532
2 4.244 175.7963 n −143.2494
3 6.366 204.1361 n 155.1108
4 8.488 57.0393 n 145.0789
5 10.610 12.1911 n −93.1991
6 12.732 16.2208 n −141.3161
7 14.854 6.6238 n 157.6872
8 16.976 10.0840 n 161.5075
9 19.098 13.2706 n −179.8498
DC component = −2.993 × 10−8
Total harmonic distortion = 1.5739%

Table 7. Total harmonic distortion analysis of Io2 in Figure 3.

Harmonic Number Frequency (MHz) Fourier Component Phase (degree)

1 2.122 17.2823 u −117.8809
2 4.244 72.1321 n 106.2341
3 6.366 156.5673 n 26.8057
4 8.488 24.1643 n 25.9664
5 10.610 8.2084 n 1.3462
6 12.732 7.7736 n 16.4662
7 14.854 8.5334 n 8.0360
8 16.976 7.7471 n 11.0721
9 19.098 6.5087 n 14.8607
DC component = −5.366 × 10−8
Total harmonic distortion = 1.0122%

The MO-CCCCTA is not an off-the-shelf component but can be built by commercially available
integrated circuits (ICs). For testing the proposed oscillator, Figure 12 shows an equivalent method
similar to Figure 3 by using ready-to-use ICs, which include the operational amplifiers of AD844s
 8 16.976 7.7471 n 11.0721
9 19.098 6.5087 n 14.8607
DC component = −5.366 × 10−8
Total harmonic distortion = 1.0122%

Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 179 12 of 18

The MO-CCCCTA is not an off-the-shelf component but can be built by commercially available
integrated circuits (ICs). For testing the proposed oscillator, Figure 12 shows an equivalent method
similar
and thetooperational
Figure 3 bytransconductance
using ready-to-use ICs, which
amplifiers include the
of MAX435 andoperational
CA3080. The amplifiers
DC power of AD844s
supply
and the operational transconductance amplifiers of MAX435 and CA3080. The
voltages are ±5 V. The gm -value of the MAX435 is equal to 4/Rg , where Rg is an external resistor DC power supply
[36].
voltages are ±5 V. The g m-value of the MAX435 is equal to 4/Rg, where Rg is an external resistor [36].
In general, the applicability of such current-feedback operational amplifier (CFOA)-based oscillators
In general,limited
is usually the applicability of such current-feedback
to a few hundred kilohertz [37,38].operational amplifier
Figure 13 shows (CFOA)-basedresult
the experimental oscillators
of the
is usually limited
frequency range of to aa commercially
few hundred kilohertz
available [37,38].
AD844 Figure
with ±13 5 Vshows the experimental
DC supply. In Figure 13, result of the
the values
frequency rangewere
of the resistors of a commercially
chosen as R1 = available
R2 = 1 kΩAD844 with
(5 kΩ, 10 ±5
kΩ),V DC
RL =supply.
500 Ω,In CLFigure 13,and
= 10 pF, the values
the inputof
the resistors were chosen as R 1 = R2 = 1 kΩ (5 kΩ, 10 kΩ), RL = 500 Ω, CL = 10 pF, and the input power
power was 0 dBm. Figure 14 is the measured result of a spectrum analyzer, which shows that the
was 0 dBm.result
measured Figure 14 isfrequency
of the the measured
rangeresult of a was
of AD844 spectrum
limited analyzer,
to 2 MHz.which shows that
The passive the measured
component values
result
of the circuit in Figure 12 were set as gm1 = 1.428 mS (i.e., Rg = 2.8 kΩ), RX1 = 0.73 kΩ, values
of the frequency range of AD844 was limited to 2 MHz. The passive component RX2 = 0.7of the
kΩ,
circuit in Figure 12 were set as g m1 = 1.428 mS (i.e., Rg = 2.8 kΩ), RX1 = 0.73 kΩ, RX2 = 0.7 kΩ, R = 1 kΩ
R = 1 kΩ and C1 = C2 = C3 = 750 pF, where RX1 was designed to be larger than the theoretical value
and C1 = Cthat
to ensure 2 = C3 = 750 pF, where RX1 was designed to be larger than the theoretical value to ensure
the oscillator will start, before the centre frequency was obtained as fo = 303.15 kHz.
that the oscillator will waveforms,
start, beforeV the centre frequency was obtained as fo = 303.15 kHz.
The oscilloscope output o1 and Vo2 , of the proposed oscillator are shown in Figure 15,
The
and oscilloscope
the X–Y plot output
of Vo1 and waveforms,
Vo2 output Vo1voltages
and Vo2, are
of the
shown proposed oscillator
in Figure 16. Theare shown in Figure
experimental 15,
oscillation
and the X–Y plot of V o1 and Vo2 output voltages are shown in Figure 16. The experimental oscillation
frequency in Figure 15 is 295.2 kHz, which is close to the theoretical value of 303.15 kHz with a 2.62%
frequency
error rate. in Figure17–19
Figures 15 is show
295.2 kHz,
the AMwhich
andisthe
close
ASK tosignal
the theoretical
outputs ofvalue of 303.15 kHz
the quadrature with a 2.62%
oscillator, where
error rate. Figures 17–19 show the AM and the ASK signal outputs of the quadrature
the modulation signal, IB2 , applied a sinusoidal signal, a triangular signal, or a pulse signal with a oscillator, where
the modulation
30-kHz frequency. signal, IB2, applied aresults
The experimental sinusoidal signal,
are close a triangular
to the theoreticalsignal,
analysisorofa Equation
pulse signal
(12).with
a 30-kHz frequency. The experimental results are close to the theoretical analysis of Equation (12).

Figure
Appl. Figure
Sci. 12.
2016,
12.6, A possible
possible implement
179
A implementmethod
methodof
ofthe
theproposed
proposedoscillator
oscillatorby
byusing
usingcommercially
commerciallyavailable
availableICs.
ICs.13 of 18

VDD

0.22uF 4.7Ω

VIN Y VOUT
AD844
W
X Tz
RL CL
R1
R2 4.7Ω
0.22uF

VSS

Figure 13. Tested

Figure 13. Tested frequency
frequencyrange
rangeof
ofAD844.
AD844.
 R C
R1
R RLL CLL
1
R2
R 4.7Ω
2 4.7Ω 0.22uF
0.22uF
VSS
VSS
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 179 13 of 18
Figure 13. Tested frequency range of AD844.
Figure 13. Tested frequency range of AD844.

Figure 14. The

The experimental evidence
evidence frequency ranges
ranges of AD844
AD844 when RR1 == R
R2 = 1 kΩ (yellow line;
Figure 14. The experimental
Figure 14. experimental evidence frequency
frequency ranges of
of AD844 when
when R11 = R2 == 11 kΩ
kΩ (yellow
(yellow line;
line;
R1 == R
R R2 = 5 kΩ (cyan line); and R1 = R2 = 10 kΩ (purple line).
= 5 kΩ (cyan line); and R = R = 10 kΩ (purple line).
R11 = R22= 5 kΩ (cyan line); and R1 1= R2 =2 10 kΩ (purple line).

Figure 15. The experimental waveforms of the quadrature outputs Vo1 (channel 1) and Vo2 (channel 2).
Figure
Appl. Sci. 6,15.
2016,15. 179Theexperimental
experimentalwaveforms
waveformsofofthe
thequadrature
quadratureoutputs
outputsV
Vo1 (channel 1) and Vo2 (channel 2). 14 of 18
Figure The o1 (channel 1) and Vo2 (channel 2).

Figure 16.The
Figure16. Theexperimental
experimentalresult forX–Y
resultfor X–Yplot ofVVo1
plotof o1 and Vo2 outputsin
o2outputs inFigure
Figure15.
15.
 Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 179 14 of 18
Figure 16. The experimental result for X–Y plot of Vo1
o1 and Vo2
o2 outputs in Figure 15.

Figure 17. Measured

Figure 17. Measuredresult ofof
result operation
operationas
asan
an AM signalgenerator
AM signal generator (channel
(channel 2) when
2) when IB2 isIB2 is applied
the
B2 the applied
sinusoidal signal
sinusoidal (channel
signal 1).1).
(channel

Figure 18. Measured

Figure 18. Measuredresult ofof
result operation
operationas
asan
an AM signalgenerator
AM signal generator (channel
(channel 2) when
2) when IB2 isIB2 is applied
the
B2 the applied
triangular
Appl. Sci. signal (channel 1).
triangular
2016, 6, 179 signal (channel 1). 15 of 18

Figure 19. Measured

Figure result
19. Measured of of
result operation
operationas
asan
an AM signalgenerator
AM signal generator (channel
(channel 2) when
2) when IB2the
IB2 is is the applied
applied
pulsepulse
signal (channel
signal 1). 1).
(channel

The frequency spectrum of the oscillator output voltage, Vo1, is shown in Figure 20.
The measured oscillation frequency was 296.68 kHz, which is close to the theoretical value of 303.15 kHz
with a 2.13% error rate. The THD, including the first harmonic through to the ninth harmonic
components, is approximately 2.35%. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical
values. For oscillators, noise is a major concern where even a small noise in an oscillator will cause
dramatic changes in its frequency spectrum and timing properties. Figure 21 shows the phase noise
using the Agilent phase noise measurement solution. The phase noise of the proposed oscillator is
 Figure 19. Measured result of operation as an AM signal generator (channel 2) when IB2 is the applied
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 179 15 of 18
pulse signal (channel 1).

The frequencyspectrum
The frequency spectrum of oscillator
of the the oscillator output V
output voltage, voltage, Vo1, is shown in Figure 20.
o1 , is shown in Figure 20. The measured
The measured oscillation frequency was 296.68 kHz, which
oscillation frequency was 296.68 kHz, which is close to the theoreticalis close to the theoretical
value of value
303.15ofkHz
303.15 kHza
with
with
2.13%aerror
2.13% error
rate. Therate.
THD, The THD, including
including the first through
the first harmonic harmonic through
to the ninth to the ninth
harmonic harmonic
components,
components, is approximately 2.35%. The experimental results are consistent
is approximately 2.35%. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical values. with the theoretical
values. For oscillators,
For oscillators, noise is noise
a major is aconcern
major concern where
where even evennoise
a small a small noise
in an in an oscillator
oscillator will causewill cause
dramatic
dramatic
changes in changes in its frequency
its frequency spectrum spectrum
and timing and timing properties.
properties. Figure 21 Figure
shows 21 theshows
phase the phase
noise usingnoise
the
using the Agilent phase noise measurement solution. The phase noise of the
Agilent phase noise measurement solution. The phase noise of the proposed oscillator is less than proposed oscillator is
less
−88.2than −88.2 at
dBc/Hz dBc/Hz
10 kHz atoffset.
10 kHz offset.22Figure
Figure shows22 theshows the root
root mean mean
square square
(RMS) (RMS)
jitter jitter
of the of the
proposed
proposed oscillator, which is 6 ns at an operating frequency
oscillator, which is 6 ns at an operating frequency of 295.2 kHz. of 295.2 kHz.

Appl. Sci. 2016, 6, 179

Figure 20. The
Figure 20. The experimental
experimental frequency
frequency spectrum of V
spectrum of Vo1
o1.
.
16 of 18

Figure 21.
Figure 21. The
The measured
measured phase
phase noise
noise of
of the
the proposed
proposedoscillator
oscillatorof
ofVVo1
o1..
Appl. Sci. 2017, 7, 179 16 of 18
Figure 21. The measured phase noise of the proposed oscillator of Vo1.

RMS=6ns

min=-29.2766ns
max=22.0103ns

Figure 22. The measured RMS jitter of the proposed oscillator at an operating frequency of 295.2 kHz.
Figure 22. The measured RMS jitter of the proposed oscillator at an operating frequency of 295.2 kHz.

7. Conclusions
7. Conclusions
A new resistorless third-order electronically tunable quadrature oscillator was proposed in this
A new resistorless third-order electronically tunable quadrature oscillator was proposed in this
paper, which uses two MO-CCCCTAs and three grounded capacitors. The proposed oscillator provided
paper, which uses two MO-CCCCTAs and three grounded capacitors. The proposed oscillator
two quadrature voltage output signals with a 90o phase difference; two high-impedance quadrature
provided two quadrature voltage output signals with a 90o phase difference; two high-impedance
current output signals with a 90o phase difference; and one high-impedance current output signal with
quadrature current output signals with a 90o phase difference; and one high-impedance current
an electronically controlled amplitude of the sinusoidal signal, all simultaneously. The proposed
output signal with an electronically controlled amplitude of the sinusoidal signal, all simultaneously.
oscillator can generate either AM or ASK signals for communication systems. Furthermore,
The proposed oscillator can generate either AM or ASK signals for communication systems.
the oscillation condition and oscillation frequency are independently adjustable by two different
Furthermore, the oscillation condition and oscillation frequency are independently adjustable by two
input bias currents of the MO-CCCCTAs. Since the proposed oscillator does not require external
different input bias currents of the MO-CCCCTAs. Since the proposed oscillator does not require
resistors and uses only grounded capacitors, it is suitable for integrated circuit implementation.
external resistors and uses only grounded capacitors, it is suitable for integrated circuit
The simulation and experimental results validate the feasibility of the proposed theory.
implementation. The simulation and experimental results validate the feasibility of the proposed theory.
Author Contributions: Hua-Pin
Author Contributions: Hua-Pin Chen,
Chen, Yuh-Shyan
Yuh-Shyan Hwang
Hwang and and Yi-Tsen
Yi-Tsen Ku
Ku contributed
contributed equally
equally in
in the
the presented
presented
research work.
research work.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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