Multi-Domain Bandgap Reference Selection for Voltage Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radio frequency (RF) electronic systems face challenges in generating accurate bandgap reference voltages across varying power supply domains, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in operating flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A bandgap reference generator is implemented, comprising a low voltage bandgap reference circuit, a high voltage bandgap reference circuit, a bandgap selector circuit, and a bandgap translator circuit. This configuration allows for the selection and buffering of bandgap reference voltages based on the power supply voltage level, enabling operation across multiple power supply domains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single bandgap reference circuit is designed for a specific power supply voltage range, then it can provide accurate reference voltage within that range, but it cannot operate accurately across multiple power supply domains

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating range across power supply domainsVSAvoidbandgap reference voltage accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The bandgap reference generator is divided into multiple independent bandgap reference circuits, each optimized for a specific power supply voltage range. A first bandgap reference circuit handles low voltage domains while a second bandgap reference circuit handles high voltage domains. This segmentation allows each circuit to maintain high accuracy within its designated range while the system as a whole achieves multi-domain adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bandgap reference generator is designed as a universal circuit capable of operating across multiple power supply domains by incorporating multiple bandgap reference circuits that can be selectively activated. The circuit universally supports both low voltage and high voltage domains through the selection mechanism, eliminating the need for separate reference voltage generators for different voltage domains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bandgap reference circuits are implemented for different power supply ranges, then adaptability across domains is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-power supply domain operationVSAvoidnumber of bandgap reference circuits

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A selection circuit is implemented to preliminarily determine which bandgap reference circuit should be activated based on the detected power supply voltage domain. This preliminary selection prevents unnecessary activation of inappropriate circuits and ensures that only the suitable bandgap reference circuit operates in each domain, thereby managing complexity through intelligent control rather than simple multiplication of circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A voltage detection circuit serves as an intermediary between the power supply and the multiple bandgap reference circuits. This intermediary detects the power supply voltage level and controls the activation of appropriate bandgap reference circuits, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture by providing a centralized control mechanism rather than requiring complex inter-circuit communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If bandgap reference voltage is generated without domain-specific optimization, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates across varying power supply voltages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of bandgap reference generatorVSAvoidreference voltage accuracy across voltage ranges

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Each bandgap reference circuit is designed with local quality optimized for its specific power supply voltage domain. The first bandgap reference circuit has parameters and transistor dimensions optimized for low voltage domains, while the second bandgap reference circuit has parameters optimized for high voltage domains. This local optimization ensures high measurement precision within each domain while maintaining relatively simple overall architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12306656B2Bandgap reference generation for multiple power supply domains

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for bandgap reference generators are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a bandgap reference generator includes a low voltage bandgap reference circuit that generates a first bandgap reference voltage, a high voltage bandgap reference circuit that generates a second bandgap reference voltage, a bandgap selector circuit that outputs the first bandgap reference voltage or the second bandgap reference voltage as a selected bandgap reference voltage based on a voltage level of the power supply voltage, and a bandgap translator circuit that generates a buffered bandgap reference voltage based on the selected bandgap reference voltage.