Bandgap Reference Startup Circuit for Low-Spike Fast Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current starting circuits for bandgap reference voltage generation circuits suffer from drawbacks such as significant current spikes, long stabilization times, and potential oscillations during startup, which hinder efficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A starting circuit for bandgap reference voltage generation circuits is designed with a current mirror configuration that includes specific transistor arrangements and resistor connections, allowing for a controlled startup process that limits current overloads and reduces stabilization time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional starting circuit is used to initiate bandgap reference voltage generation, then the circuit can be activated, but significant current spikes occur during startup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestartup reliabilityVSAvoidcurrent spike magnitude
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The starting circuit activates transistor M4 in advance to pre-charge the gate of transistor M2 before the main bandgap circuit is fully activated. This preliminary action ensures that when the bandgap circuit starts, the current increases gradually rather than spiking suddenly, thus maintaining reliable startup while limiting current surge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a conventional starting circuit is used to initiate bandgap reference voltage generation, then the circuit can be activated, but long stabilization times occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestartup reliabilityVSAvoidstabilization time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Transistor M4 is activated beforehand to pre-charge the gate capacitance of transistor M2. This preliminary charging action reduces the time required for the bandgap reference voltage to stabilize after startup, achieving fast stabilization while maintaining reliable circuit activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a conventional starting circuit is used to initiate bandgap reference voltage generation, then the circuit can be activated, but oscillations occur during startup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestartup reliabilityVSAvoidvoltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The starting circuit with transistor M4 performs preliminary charging of the gate of transistor M2 before the main circuit operates. This gradual voltage buildup prevents sudden voltage changes that could trigger oscillations, ensuring both reliable startup and voltage stability during the startup phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The proposed solution effectively minimizes current spikes and stabilizes the output voltage within 5 µs, ensuring stable operation without oscillations.

Implementation Method 1

a fourth MOS transistor between a supply voltage application terminal and a control terminal of the second transistor, the fourth MOS transistor being mounted in current mirror on the first MOS transistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCurrent mirror effect:

Implementation Method 2

a second transistor and a third current mirror transistor whose control terminals are connected by a first resistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhm's law: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 3

bandgap reference voltage generation circuit configured to generate a reference voltage that does not globally vary with temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBandgap voltage compensation:

Data Source

PatentEP4692977A1Circuit for starting a circuit for generating a bandgap reference voltage
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 STMICROELECTRONICS INT NV
  • EP4692977A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4692977A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4692977A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present description relates to a starting circuit (420) of a bandgap reference voltage generation circuit (110) whose current mirror comprises a first MOS transistor (MP2), comprising: a second transistor (MNR) and a third transistor (MNP) in current mirror whose control terminals are connected by a first resistor (ROFF); and a fourth MOS transistor (MP1) between a supply voltage application terminal (Vcc) and a control terminal (NB) of the second transistor (MNR), the fourth MOS transistor (MP1) being mounted in current mirror on the first MOS transistor (MP2).