Reference power supply circuit structure capable of automatically balancing and stabilizing and implementation method

Abstract

The invention relates to a reference power supply circuit structure capable of balancing and stabilizing autonomously and an implementation method, belonging to an analog active circuit, an attached drawing is a schematic schematic diagram, and the reference power supply circuit structure consists of an amplifier type unit with four signal ports which are briefly recorded as an output end, a normal phase end, an anti-phase end and a ground end, two paired PN junction type units which are briefly recorded as D1 and D2, and an amplifier type unit with four signal ports which are briefly recorded as D1 and D2, the output end of the amplifier is connected to the normal phase end through the R1 and then connected to the ground end through the D1, meanwhile, the output end of the amplifier is connected to the reverse phase end through the D2 and then connected to the ground end through the R2, and the D1 and the D2 are both connected in the forward direction. When the level of the positive-phase end is higher or lower than that of the negative-phase end, the level of the output end is increased or decreased, the voltage drop of the resistor and the PN junction is different in amplitude along with current change, and the level difference of the positive-phase end and the negative-phase end is reduced, tends to be balanced and is stably output. Theoretically, current-voltage relation curves of PN junctions and resistors have cross points, the PN junctions and the resistors in the circuit can obtain balance points with the same voltage drop and current through a symmetric constraint structure, and in view of the fact that parameters of actual components are difficult to be absolutely symmetric, the actual balance points can deviate, and the balance points can be absolutely symmetric. And stable output can still be obtained due to the relative stability of the operating parameter environment of the PN junction functional unit. The circuit can be used as a reference power circuit. Separated component verification is completed, and chip processing can be carried out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent belongs to the field of analog circuits.

[0002] An active circuit structure and implementation method that can autonomously establish balance and maintain stability are presented.

[0003] It can be used as a low-noise reference voltage source circuit or to power a sensor.

[0004] It can be used to separate component circuits, or internal circuits of chips, or for chip-based circuitry. Background Technology

[0005] Most existing regulated power supply systems or voltage regulator chips actively and periodically adjust and correct the output to maintain accuracy and stability. This adjustment is regarded as power supply noise by electret microphones, pressure sensors, etc.

[0006] Various chips require a simple, stable, low-noise reference voltage source.

[0007] The market needs to refer to power supply chips.

[0008] Consumer products require power supply units with a higher cost-performance ratio. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Explanation of the method of explanation

[0010] To avoid the obscure and convoluted descriptions commonly found in invention patent descriptions, and for the sake of intuitiveness and efficiency, this patent description first explains the core principle, basic circuit architecture, and working mechanism through a core exemplary principle circuit. Then, it describes the scope of application by explaining the expandability and substitutability of each functional unit, and illustrates its practicality through embodiments including specific component model parameters.

[0011] Core Exemplary Principle Circuit

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the core circuit structure of this patent.

[0013] It consists of an operational amplifier (hereinafter referred to as op-amp), two matching diodes with the same parameters (hereinafter referred to as D1 and D2), and two matching resistors with equal resistance values ​​(hereinafter referred to as R1 and R2).

[0014] The operational amplifier has four ports used for the operation of the circuit related to this patent, referred to as the output, non-inverting, inverting, and ground terminals. These correspond to the op-amp's output, non-inverting signal input, inverting signal input, and power supply ground, respectively. The output and ground terminals are both logic terminals. The functionality of the circuit can be expanded by inserting other units between the logic terminals and the actual circuit ports. The op-amp's output terminal is the result output terminal.

[0015] The power supply system required for the operation of the operational amplifier itself is common knowledge and is not specifically indicated.

[0016] Circuit connection:

[0017] like Figure 1 As shown:

[0018] Output terminal - R1 - non-inverting terminal - D1 - ground terminal, abbreviated as link A;

[0019] Output terminal - D2 - Inverting terminal - R2 - Ground terminal, abbreviated as Link B;

[0020] Both D1 and D2 are forward connections.

[0021] The output terminal is a logic output terminal, which is connected to the op-amp output terminal. When expanding the circuit function, resistor-type functional units can be inserted. The ground terminal is a logic ground, which is connected to the power supply ground.

[0022] Link A and Link B are in a symmetrical current relationship.

[0023] Diodes and resistors are arranged diagonally symmetrically in the circuit.

[0024] It should be noted that: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the core circuit, and also a special illustrative example for the purpose of facilitating understanding and explaining the core technologies related to this patent. It should not be used to limit the scope of this patent. The scope of this patent is not limited to this; this patent can be applied to… Figure 1 The form and function of the circuit in this patent are realized and expanded by replacing, expanding, and simplifying the units of the circuit.

[0025] Theoretical basis for the feasibility of circuit balance and stability

[0026] Figure 1 The current-voltage relationship curves of the diode and resistor in the circuit shown intersect at points other than zero, indicating that there is an operating point where both current and voltage are equal. Given... Figure 1 Due to the symmetry of the circuit, theoretically, there exists a state where the current and voltage of D1, D2, R1, and R2 are all the same, and the voltage levels of the positive and negative terminals are equal and the current is zero. At this point, the circuit will be in balance.

[0027] The theoretical balance described above is only used to affirm the feasibility of this patent and to provide technical guidance for the future implementation of this circuit through integrated circuits. Whether the actual balance state of the circuit conforms to the theory does not affect the patentability and scope of application of this patent.

[0028] This patent only requires achieving a realistic balance; even if the balance is completely unexpected, as long as it can be repeated, it is an effective circuit.

[0029] Mechanisms for establishing and maintaining equilibrium

[0030] Figure 1 The mechanisms by which a circuit establishes balance and restores balance after imbalance are similar.

[0031] When the voltage level at the non-inverting input is higher or lower than that at the inverting input, the voltage level at the output will rise or fall accordingly. Since the voltage drop across the resistor changes more with current than that across the PN junction, the voltage difference between the non-inverting and inverting inputs will decrease until it disappears, thus achieving circuit balance.

[0032] The patent applicant has already implemented this using operational amplifiers, surface-mount diodes, and surface-mount resistors. Figure 1 The circuit was tested and balanced, and a stable output was obtained.

[0033] During the experiment, the patent applicant built a test circuit with stable output using both forward and reverse configurations of the surface-mount Zener diode. When connecting the Zener diode for voltage regulation, the connections of the forward and reverse inputs of the operational amplifier need to be interchanged. Furthermore, the current at the forward and reverse inputs of the operational amplifier is not zero when balanced (this is for a specific operational amplifier model and is not an ideal state).

[0034] The ability to achieve specific balances and a certain degree of repeatability under various non-ideal parameter conditions should also be considered within the scope of this patent. Having more unpredictable real-world balance points is also one of the important features of this patented circuit.

[0035] The expandability of the circuit.

[0036] Figure 1 Once a circuit can establish and maintain balance, the following circuit extension methods can still maintain balance:

[0037] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Once the circuit achieves balance and stability, several expansion methods are possible:

[0038] a. A resistor-type unit RRa can be inserted between the logic output terminal and the actual output terminal of the circuit; or a resistor-type unit RRd can be inserted between the logic ground terminal and the actual power supply ground; or other units (such as resistive loads, PN junctions, Zener diodes, fixed loads, etc.) can be inserted, and the circuit may still remain balanced, provided that it is within the driving range of the op-amp.

[0039] b. Simultaneously, insert a pair of resistor units RRba, RRbb with equal resistance values ​​between the inverting and non-inverting terminals and the output terminal; or insert a pair of resistor units RRca, RRcb with equal resistance values ​​between the inverting and non-inverting terminals and the ground terminal. The circuit may still remain balanced. Although in reality, the actual resistance deviation of such inserted resistor pairs will greatly reduce the stability or long-term stability of the circuit, it is still a usable extended mode within the scope of this patent.

[0040] Among them, the circuit structure with the most promising practical application is: Figure 1 Based on the circuit being considered as a constant current and constant voltage source, by connecting an adjustable resistor in series between the output terminal (logic terminal) and the op-amp output terminal, an adjustable and stable level output can be obtained at the op-amp output terminal.

[0041] Substitutability of circuit functional units

[0042] Figure 1 The operational amplifier in the circuit can be replaced by other amplifier circuits, on-chip circuit units, or integrated circuit IPs (but not limited to) with the same or similar functions and the same or similar signal ports.

[0043] Figure 1 The diodes in the circuit can be replaced by units with the same or similar characteristics as the PN junction, such as various types of diodes, transistors with various short-circuit methods, Zener diode PN junctions, PN junctions in integrated circuits, and units with similar functions (but not limited to).

[0044] Figure 1 The resistors in the circuit can be replaced by units with resistive or similar characteristics, such as equivalent resistors, adjustable resistors, integrated circuit internal resistors, and various equivalent combinations of resistors (but not limited to).

[0045] Figure 1 In cases where precision is not a primary concern, a Zener diode can even be used as a substitute. However, the connection positions of the positive and negative terminals must be interchanged after the substitution, because under the same current change, the voltage drop of a Zener diode changes faster than that of a resistor in its operating region. The patent applicant has obtained a stable output through this substitution, confirming its feasibility.

[0046] Figure 1 After the functional units in the circuit are replaced, circuit balancing failure may occur (and even quite commonly). This may be due to insufficient operating state or driving capability of the amplifier unit, or poor parameter matching of PN junction and resistor units. The existence of these unbalanced circuits only indicates that the balancing of the circuit in this patent is subject to certain conditions. It cannot be used to conclude that this patent is invalid.

[0047] The key feature of the circuit described in this patent is that it is implementable, rather than unconditionally implementable.

[0048] Figure 1 The pairing parameters of functional units in the circuit are very demanding, making it more suitable for integrated circuit technology.

[0049] Figure 1After the functional units in the circuit are replaced, in addition to the possible balance failure, there may be various unpredictable actual balance points. As long as a stable balance can be obtained and it is repeatable, it should be considered applicable to this patent.

[0050] A balance where the potential difference between each port and ground is zero or close to zero is invalid, meaning the balance has failed.

[0051] When the output level is close to or equal to the amplifier's maximum operating level, it may also indicate a failure to balance the output. It is not recommended to achieve the maximum output level through output regulation mechanisms, as this may affect its stability.

[0052] Various application scenarios and implementation methods, including discrete component mode, module mode, functional chip mode, in-chip circuit unit mode, and integrated circuit IP mode (but not limited to), should be considered within the scope of this patent.

[0053] Standalone applications, modular applications, embedded applications (and not limited to these), and different application methods should be considered within the scope of this patent.

[0054] Adding additional components or functional units to existing functional units, such as connecting multiple PN junctions in series or adding an adjustable resistor element to a resistor unit (but not limited to these), does not affect the applicability of this patent. Implementation Example

[0055] It should be noted that at the time of submission of this specification, the patent applicant had successfully completed the actual separate component circuit construction experiment and obtained an actual effective balanced circuit and output.

[0056] Component selection

[0057] against Figure 1 The circuit shown has requirements for the types of components. An example circuit was implemented using operational amplifiers, diodes, resistors, etc., and a balance was established to obtain a stable output.

[0058] Solving the matching problem

[0059] The matching between D1 and D2, and the matching between R1 and R2, are Figure 1 The success or failure of the circuit implementation is also a direct and intuitive test of whether the existing manufacturing processes of the components can be applied to the circuit of this patent and meet the requirements of this patent.

[0060] Experimental results show that, for diodes and resistors, certain surface-mount components produced by the same batch and equipment using high-precision integration technology can meet the matching accuracy required for circuit balance in this patent in terms of parameter matching.

[0061] It can be concluded that the existing integrated circuit manufacturing process and parameter discreteness control accuracy can meet the relevant requirements of this patented circuit.

[0062] During the actual operation, it was found that some discrete component products, such as surface mount diodes, have a large degree of parameter dispersion. They can be manually matched by using forward resistances that are as close as possible.

[0063] Considerations for component parameter selection

[0064] The selection of component parameters mainly takes into account the constraints of the op-amp's operating range and driving capability.

[0065] Implementation Example 1:

[0066] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The experimental implementation circuit with parameterized circuit body provides a set of component selection parameters, enabling stable operation of the circuit, including:

[0067] Op-amp (LM321), diode (T4), resistor (5.1K, 0805 package, 1%).

[0068] The diodes were manually screened and matched, and diodes with similar forward resistance were selected. Random checks of the resistance showed that the relative deviations were acceptable, so no special screening was performed.

[0069] Figure 3 The actual operating results of the circuit show that, in an environment with a room temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, after the circuit is powered on, the output voltage steadily rises from below 0.9V to about 1V and then obtains a stable output.

[0070] Another set of experimental components:

[0071] Op-amp (MC33202), diode (M7), resistor (5.1K, 0805 package, 1%).

[0072] At a room temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, the circuit can achieve a stable output of about 1V after the temperature stabilizes.

[0073] The experiment revealed that the temperature drift of the diode (PN junction) is very large and sensitive, with a clear trend and a very low frequency of change.

[0074] Implementation example hints:

[0075] Tests show that many practical operational amplifier models are used in this patent. Figure 1 The circuit shown is not ideal, and the possible reasons are not limited to:

[0076] a) Insufficient op-amp driving capability: During the self-balancing and adjustment process, the demand for op-amp driving capability may be much greater than the capability required to maintain balance. This results in a large number of op-amp models exhibiting insufficient driving capability.

[0077] b. The op-amp signal processing logic has frequency shift or distortion (such as some audio-specific op-amps).

[0078] c. Insufficient operating range of the op-amp (such as some low-voltage, low-power op-amps).

[0079] d, other possibilities.

[0080] Experiments have shown that only a small number of operational amplifier models can achieve effective circuit balance and maintain stability under the current discrete and biased parameter conditions of existing discrete components.

[0081] In addition, the parameter deviation between the paired diode and the paired resistor also has a significant impact.

[0082] The diode temperature drift problem mainly affects the circuit's output level, causing the output level to fluctuate steadily.

[0083] Relevant conclusions:

[0084] This patent is achieved by separating components. Figure 1 The circuit shown is feasible, but it has stringent requirements on components, especially the operational amplifier's driving capability and the parameters of the paired devices. The specific parameter boundaries need to be confirmed through further experiments.

[0085] It is certain that, under the current level of integrated circuit technology, it is feasible and reliable to realize the chip-based implementation of the technology of this patent and to implement the circuit given in this patent within the integrated chip and obtain balanced and stable output.

[0086] In the successful circuit case study, it was found that the voltage between the inverting and non-inverting inputs of the op-amp and the ground was close to half of the voltage between the output and the ground, which is consistent with the results of the principle analysis.

[0087] Its output voltage value is also related to the common voltage drop range of the PN junction.

[0088] Implementation Example 2:

[0089] Figure 4 The circuit is in Figure 1 Based on the principle circuit, the result is a simple expansion and parameter instantiation.

[0090] The component combination is: op-amp (LM124), diode (T4), resistor (5.1K, 0805 package, 1%), and adjustable resistor (150K, multi-turn adjustable resistor).

[0091] and Figure 3 Compared to circuits, Figure 4 An adjustment resistor RR was added to the circuit.

[0092] Figure 4 In terms of circuit logic, it is to Figure 1 The core circuit shown acts as a constant current and constant voltage source, with the adjustable resistor RR serving as an internal load to raise the potential at the output terminal of the operational amplifier.

[0093] Figure 3 In the circuit, when the op-amp is powered by a single 32V power supply, a stable voltage output of about 1V-30V can be obtained.

[0094] Another surprise was that... Figure 4 When the op-amp supply voltage is 32V and the output is adjusted to around 30V, the temperature drift phenomenon is greatly improved, but the mechanism is unknown.

[0095] Experimental Special Case (Single Case):

[0096] Component assembly:

[0097] Op-amp (MC33202), resistor (4.7K, specification 0805, 1% accuracy), Zener diode (3.3V SMD).

[0098] When the Zener diodes are connected in both forward and reverse directions, relatively stable outputs of 1.4xV and 3.6xV are obtained, respectively. When the Zener diodes are connected in this configuration, the forward and reverse signal inputs of the operational amplifier in the circuit need to be interchanged.

[0099] This experiment was a special case. During the experiment, the potentials at the positive and negative input terminals of the op-amp were not equal, but the output level of the circuit was relatively stable.

[0100] The experiment proved that the patented circuit can still capture and maintain various possible balance points even when the parameters of the components (ZnD) deviate significantly. Attached Figure Description

[0101] This manual contains 5 figures, including:

[0102] Figure 1 This is an exemplary schematic diagram of a self-balancing circuit structure that can be used as a reference voltage source.

[0103] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an scalable unit for an exemplary schematic circuit.

[0104] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Example 1 of circuit parameter instantiation implementation.

[0105] Figure 4 for Figure 2 In the example circuit implementation, several groups of expandable cells only instantiate the resistor RRa, while other cell groups can be considered to have a value of zero.

[0106] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a conventional method for adjusting the output potential of an exemplary circuit. Market application prospects

[0107] Independent functional circuit unit.

[0108] Built-in functional units in chips and electronic products.

[0109] Chip-based. Creativity, novelty and practicality

[0110] creativity

[0111] By using a novel active circuit structure with symmetrical structure and symmetrical parameters (including current symmetry and voltage symmetry), it is possible to autonomously establish an equilibrium state and maintain stability.

[0112] The circuit contains PN junction units. While providing a stable operating environment for the PN junction, the circuit output is related to the stable PN junction voltage drop.

[0113] The specific circuit structure causes the voltage drop of the PN junction to constrain the voltage drop of the resistor; the current constrained by the resistor, in turn, limits the operating current of the PN junction. This mutual constraint facilitates theoretical prediction and result optimization.

[0114] A novel reference power supply circuit is presented.

[0115] Novelty

[0116] The circuit structure of this patent has some similarities to the well-known "bridge circuit", but its novelty lies in:

[0117] This patented circuit is an active circuit that can autonomously establish and maintain a balanced and stable output.

[0118] This patented circuit uses two functional units to construct a symmetrical circuit structure. After the circuit is balanced, the voltage and current parameters of the two functional units can also constrain each other, which improves the stability of the circuit and output, and can also provide guidance for design and product optimization.

[0119] practicality

[0120] This patent provides several implementation examples to demonstrate its feasibility.

[0121] The circuit provided in this patent can be used for:

[0122] Reference voltage source.

[0123] Sensor powered.

[0124] Chip-based and application of internal chip units.

[0125] Technology substitution and optimization of product cost-effectiveness.

[0126] other.

[0127] Other notes

[0128] There are many existing circuits, such as certain constant current source circuits, which overlap with this patent in some parts of the circuit or certain technical applications. Some technologies or products are similar to this patent in some functions. However, these should not negate the overall inventiveness, novelty and utility of this patent.

[0129] The description, analysis, and application ideas of the relevant circuits given in this patent specification have considerable room for expansion.

[0130] This patent does not attempt to seek any related rights to certain existing partially similar circuits, nor does it accept that only partially similar or identical circuit units or methods negate the overall patentability of this patent.

Claims

1. A self-balancing and stable reference power supply circuit structure and implementation method. Key technical features: An active circuit that can be autonomously balanced and stabilized, including PN junction functional units, provides a stable operating parameter environment for PN junction units and obtains a stable output associated with the voltage drop of PN junction units; It can be used as a voltage regulator circuit to eliminate the periodic active regulation noise of traditional power supplies and power chips; The core principle circuit structure consists of an amplifier-type functional unit, abbreviated as A1; two PN junction-type units with paired parameters, abbreviated as D1 and D2; and two resistor-type units with paired resistance values, abbreviated as R1 and R2. in, A1 has similar functional characteristics and port configuration to operational amplifiers. It can be implemented by op-amps, on-chip amplifier units, integrated circuit units, or circuit IPs (and not limited to). It has four necessary signal ports: abbreviated as output terminal, non-inverting terminal, inverting terminal, and ground terminal. The level difference between the inverting and non-inverting inputs determines the trend of the output level change. When the positive input level is higher than the inverting input level, the output level rises; When the positive input level is lower than the inverting input level, the output level decreases; When the positive input level is equal to the inverting input level, the output level remains unchanged; The ground terminal is logical ground; D1 and D2 need to have PN junction characteristics or similar characteristics, which can be achieved through diodes, on-chip units, or specially connected transistors (but not limited to). R1 and R2 need to have resistive characteristics, which can be achieved through resistors, equivalent resistances, adjustable resistors, internal chip resistors, and various combinations (but not limited to). Between the output terminal A1 and the ground terminal, two signal links are connected in parallel, abbreviated as link A and link B. Each link consists of one PN junction unit and one resistor unit connected in series, only the series connection order is different. The PN junction units of the two links are paired with each other with the same parameters, and the resistor units of the two links are paired with each other with the same resistance value. Link A starts from the output end, connects to R1, then to the positive input, and then to the ground end via the positive D1. Link B starts from the output end, first connected to the positive input D2, then to the inverting input, and then through R2 to the ground end; When the level of the non-inverting input is higher or lower than that of the inverting input, the output will rise or fall accordingly. The voltage drop change on the resistor-type unit is greater than that on the PN junction-type unit. The level difference between the non-inverting input will be gradually reduced until it is eliminated or the circuit reaches its own equilibrium point. After the circuit is balanced, the output will output a stable level. The theoretical basis for the existence of a balance point in the above circuit structure is that PN junction units and resistor units have intersection points on the current-voltage curve except for zero points. This means that D1, D2, R1, and R2 theoretically have state points where the current and voltage are the same. This patent realizes the actual balance point. Whether it is a theoretical balance point or not, this patent applies. Experiments have shown that, under certain conditions, amplifier-type units can drive circuits to achieve balance, and are not limited to the theoretical balance point. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the core circuit. The op-amp icon represents an amplifier-type unit, which can be implemented using various units and technologies that have similar op-amp functional characteristics and port characteristics, and the form and method are not limited. The diode icon represents a PN junction unit, which can be implemented using units with PN junction characteristics, and there are no restrictions on the form or method. The resistor icon represents a resistor unit, which can be implemented by units or combinations with resistive characteristics, and there are no restrictions on the form or method. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the expandability of the core principle circuit in Figure 1, wherein: RRa is a resistor-type unit that can be inserted between the logic output terminal of the core circuit in Figure 1 and the actual output terminal of the amplifier unit to boost the output level. The output level is obtained from the amplifier output. RRba and RRbb are a pair of resistors with equal resistance that can be inserted between the output terminal and the positive and negative terminals respectively. They need to be inserted simultaneously to boost the output level. RRca and RRcb are a pair of resistors of equal resistance that can be inserted between the positive and negative inputs and the ground, respectively. They need to be inserted simultaneously to boost the output level. RRd is a resistor-type unit that can be inserted between the ground terminal of the core principle circuit in Figure 1 and the actual ground terminal of the amplifier circuit unit to boost the output level; Practical experiments show that when RRa is implemented using a variable resistor, the output level can be adjusted, while reducing the circuit stability risks that may arise from other resistor-type unit insertion methods. The circuit has been verified using discrete components; Integrated circuit technology can be used to realize the internal functional units of integrated circuits, as well as their IP and chip-based implementation (but is not limited to this).

2. According to the technical method of claim 1, the circuit in Figure 3 is an implementation example. The functional objectives of the circuit in Figure 1 are achieved through operational amplifiers, diodes, and resistors. The circuit in Figure 3 is an exemplary utility verification circuit, and the relevant content does not limit the scope of application of this patent.

3. Based on the technical method of claims 1 and 2, the circuit in Figure 4 is another embodiment example, illustrating the feasibility of the circuit in Figure 2. The specific circuit is based on the circuit in Figure 3 with the addition of a variable resistor RR for increasing and adjusting the output level. The circuit in Figure 4 is also an exemplary special circuit, and the relevant content does not limit the scope of application of this patent.

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