Bandgap Reference Voltage Compensation for Low-Temperature Memory Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bandgap reference circuits in non-volatile memory systems face challenges in maintaining a stable bandgap reference voltage, particularly at low temperatures, due to limitations in BJT current density and emitter-base voltage, leading to voltage variations and inability to design voltages lower than the turn-on voltage of BJTs.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a compensation circuitry that generates a compensation current based on the gate control voltage and supply voltage, mirroring currents to stabilize the bandgap reference voltage, allowing it to be independent of temperature, process corners, and voltage variations, and capable of operating below the turn-on voltage of BJTs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bandgap reference circuits are used in non-volatile memory systems, then the circuit structure is simple, but the reference voltage becomes unstable at low temperatures due to limitations in BJT current density and emitter-base voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compensation circuit as an intermediary component that generates a compensation current to offset the temperature-dependent variations in the bandgap reference circuit. This compensation circuit acts as a mediator between the temperature variations and the reference voltage output, stabilizing the voltage by counteracting the harmful thermal effects through the generated compensation current.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the BJT by generating a compensation current that adjusts the emitter-base voltage and current density. This parameter change allows the circuit to operate effectively at low temperatures where conventional bandgap reference circuits fail, thereby improving reference voltage stability without requiring a complete redesign of the basic circuit structure.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the bandgap reference voltage is designed to be lower than the turn-on voltage of BJTs, then power consumption is reduced, but the BJT cannot conduct current properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by generating a compensation current that preemptively counteracts the insufficient current conduction issue before it becomes a problem. The compensation circuit detects the tendency of the BJT to fail to conduct properly at low voltages and temperatures, and applies a compensating current in advance to ensure reliable operation, allowing the reference voltage to be maintained below the traditional turn-on voltage threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation circuit employs feedback mechanisms to monitor the operating conditions of the BJT and dynamically adjust the compensation current accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the BJT remains in proper conduction mode even when the reference voltage is designed to be lower than the conventional turn-on voltage, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If compensation circuitry is added to stabilize the bandgap reference voltage, then voltage variations are reduced, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bandgap reference circuit into distinct functional modules: the core bandgap reference circuit and the separate compensation circuitry. This segmentation allows the compensation function to be added independently, enabling voltage stabilization without completely redesigning the original simple circuit structure. The modular approach manages complexity by separating concerns while maintaining the benefits of both simple and compensated designs.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, circuits, devices, and apparatus including computer-readable mediums for managing reference voltages, e.g., with current compensation, in memory systems, e.g., non-volatile memory systems. In one aspect, an integrated circuit includes: an operational amplifier configured to receive input voltages and a supply voltage and output a control voltage based on the input voltages and the supply voltage; an output circuitry configured to receive the control voltage from the operational amplifier and the supply voltage, provide the input voltages to the operational amplifier, and output a reference voltage; and a compensation circuitry coupled to the output circuitry and configured to output a compensation current to compensate the output circuitry such that the reference voltage is substantially constant. The output circuitry is configured to generate the reference voltage based on the control voltage and the compensation current.