Bandgap Reference Circuit Startup With Ground Initialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bandgap reference circuits in non-volatile memory systems face challenges in achieving fast startups and stability, often resulting in long startup times and potential overshoots due to temperature, process corner, and voltage variations.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a power MOS transistor, a coupling capacitor, and initialization circuitry in the bandgap reference circuit, which allows the gate control voltage to be pulled down to 0V during startup, enabling the bandgap reference voltage to charge up from 0V to a target voltage, thereby speeding up the startup process and avoiding overshoots, while also stabilizing the reference voltage independently from temperature, process corners, and voltage variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional bandgap reference circuits are used without initialization circuitry, then the circuit structure is simpler, but the startup time is long and voltage overshoots occur
Solution Approach 1:
The initialization circuitry proactively sets the gate control voltage to 0V before the bandgap reference circuit starts operating. This preliminary action prevents the voltage from rising uncontrollably during startup, eliminating overshoots and reducing startup time by ensuring the voltage starts from a known state rather than building up gradually from power application.
2Reliability
If the bandgap reference voltage charges up from supply voltage to target voltage, then the circuit operates normally, but voltage overshoots occur causing component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The initialization circuitry applies a counteracting voltage (0V) to the gate control voltage before the bandgap reference circuit begins operation. This preliminary anti-action counterbalances the natural tendency of the voltage to overshoot during startup, protecting components from damage while maintaining proper voltage control throughout the startup process.
3Productivity
If the gate control voltage is pulled down to 0V during startup, then startup time is reduced and overshoots are prevented, but additional initialization circuitry is required
Solution Approach 1:
The initialization circuitry acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the power supply and the bandgap reference circuit during startup. It temporarily controls the gate control voltage to 0V, enabling fast startup without overshoots, then退出 once the circuit reaches its normal operating state. This intermediary approach achieves high productivity while adding minimal complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, circuits, devices, and apparatus including computer-readable mediums for managing startups of bandgap reference circuits in memory systems, e.g., non-volatile memory systems. In one aspect, an integrated circuit includes: a power supply switch configured to receive an original supply voltage and provide a controlled supply voltage controllable by an enabling signal, an operational amplifier configured to receive input voltages and the controlled supply voltage and output a gate control voltage, output circuitry configured to receive the gate control voltage and the controlled supply voltage, provide the input voltages to the operational amplifier, and output a reference voltage, and initialization circuitry coupled to the power supply switch, the operational amplifier, and the output circuitry and configured to initialize the controlled supply voltage and the gate control voltage to ground based on the enabling signal, such that the reference voltage increases from ground to a target voltage during a startup.