Voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) with amplitude control

A structure and associated method for controlling an amplitude of oscillation in a voltage controlled oscillator. The voltage controlled oscillator circuit comprises a drive circuit, an inductor/capacitor (LC) tank circuit, and a diode. The LC tank circuit and the drive circuit collectively comprise a first oscillating node and a second oscillating node. The first oscillating node is adapted to have a first voltage. The second oscillating node is adapted to have a second voltage. The first diode is adapted to control an amplitude of the first voltage and an amplitude of the second voltage.