Bandgap Voltage Source Compensation for Temperature Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bandgap voltage references in integrated circuits are affected by temperature variations, leading to errors in circuits that rely on them as a constant voltage source, with previous correction methods being inadequate for many implementations.
Innovation Solution
A method that measures temperature, IR drop, and frequency response within the circuit to adjust the voltage supplied and determine a correction value, which is used to compensate for frequency response variances, thereby maintaining a stable output despite temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If bandgap voltage reference is used as a constant voltage source, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but temperature variations cause voltage errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by measuring actual frequency response at the operating temperature and using this measured data to adjust the voltage reference, rather than relying on pre-stored tables or fixed temperature compensation. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining accuracy through real-time adaptation while keeping the overall circuit approach relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual frequency response of the circuit at its operating temperature and using this measurement to correct the voltage reference output. The feedback loop continuously monitors and adjusts the reference voltage based on actual circuit behavior, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and accuracy by using measured real-world data rather than theoretical models.
2Measurement precision
If temperature compensation is implemented using prior art methods, then some correction is provided, but the methods are not attractive for many implementations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the circuit measure its own frequency response at its actual operating temperature and use this self-measured data to compensate its own voltage reference output. This eliminates the need for external temperature sensors, complex lookup tables, or separate compensation circuits, thereby achieving accurate temperature compensation without increasing implementation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential frequency response measurement needed for compensation, discarding unnecessary components like external temperature sensors and complex calibration systems. By taking out only the critical measurement function and using it directly for compensation, the patent achieves accuracy without the burden of complex implementation structures.
3Productivity
If voltage is adjusted based on multiple parameters (temperature, IR drop, frequency response), then performance is optimized, but measurement and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated approach by using frequency response measurement as the primary indicator that simultaneously reflects temperature, IR drop, and circuit performance conditions. Instead of treating these as separate measurements requiring separate compensation circuits, the patent combines them into a unified frequency-response-based control mechanism, achieving performance optimization without proportional increases in complexity.
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
This approach dynamically adjusts the voltage supplied to integrated circuits, enhancing performance or reducing power consumption while accounting for temperature and IR drop effects, offering flexibility and reducing test time for identifying yield and voltage per module.
Implementation Method 1
concurrently measuring temperature, IR drop and frequency response within the circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit and a method for regulating a voltage supply where the method includes the steps of concurrently measuring temperature, IR drop and frequency response within the circuit, adjusting voltage supplied to the circuit in response to the measured temperature, IR drop and frequency response, and determining a correction value based on the variance of the measured frequency response from an expected frequency response and providing a correction for subsequent predetermined frequency response values. The frequency response measurement is dependent upon the constant bandgap voltage source which may very according to temperature. Upon a determination that corrections may be required for the bandgap voltage source to compensate for temperature variations, the measurement process which uses the bandgap voltage source can be altered to compensate for the temperature variations.