Bandgap Voltage Reference Circuit with Dynamic Sleep Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bandgap reference voltage sources face a trade-off between power consumption and noise immunity, with high power consumption making them unsuitable for wearable electronic products, and existing solutions increase system complexity and layout area.

Innovation Solution

A novel bandgap reference voltage circuit and method that includes a bias circuit, amplifier, output circuit, and output switch, where the circuit is powered down when the output signal is stable, reducing power consumption while maintaining high noise immunity by selectively turning off components and entering a sleep mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the bandgap reference voltage source operates continuously to maintain high noise immunity, then the noise immunity is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise immunityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic operation modes for the bandgap reference voltage source, allowing it to switch between active and sleep states based on system requirements. The circuit includes control logic that monitors system state and adjusts the operating mode accordingly, enabling the reference voltage source to maintain high noise immunity when needed while consuming minimal power during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic refresh mechanisms where the bandgap reference voltage source is activated in short intervals to maintain its reference accuracy and noise immunity characteristics. During these periodic active periods, the circuit performs calibration or signal generation, then enters sleep mode, achieving both low power consumption and maintained performance through rhythmic operation patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If multiple bandgap reference voltage sources are combined to achieve both low power and high noise immunity, then the noise immunity is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise immunityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal bandgap reference voltage source that can operate in multiple modes (active, sleep, standby) and serves different system requirements through mode switching. This single multi-functional circuit replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized circuits, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to provide high noise immunity when needed and low power consumption when idle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the bandgap reference voltage source, specifically adjusting operating current, voltage levels, and circuit configuration based on system state. By dynamically changing these parameters, the circuit can transition between high-performance and low-power states, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-configuration reference sources and thereby reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If the bandgap reference voltage source is designed for low power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the noise immunity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidnoise immunity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic operation modes for the bandgap reference voltage source, allowing it to switch between active and sleep states based on system requirements. The circuit includes control logic that monitors system state and adjusts the operating mode accordingly, enabling the reference voltage source to maintain high noise immunity when needed while consuming minimal power during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3301606B1A bandgap with system sleep mode
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 SEMICON MFG INT (BEIJING) CORP
  • EP3301606B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3301606B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3301606B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method operates a bandgap voltage reference circuit that includes a bias circuit for receiving a feedback signal and outputting a bias signal, an amplifier for receiving the bias signal and outputting a first reference signal as the feedback signal, an output circuit for receiving the first reference signal and outputting a second reference signal, and an output switch for outputting the second reference signal as an output signal. The method includes, after powering up the bandgap voltage reference circuit, determining whether the output signal is stable, when the output signal is stable, turning off the output switch; turning off the bias circuit; and turning off the output circuit. The sequential turning off the output switch, the output circuit, and the bias circuit puts the bandgap voltage reference circuit into a sleep mode to save power.