Bootstrapped Reference Voltage Generator Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reference voltage generators in integrated electronic devices face challenges in achieving high power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) with low power consumption and reduced chip area, as conventional approaches like pre-regulation stages and cascode configurations increase power consumption and chip area.
Innovation Solution
A reference voltage generator circuit that utilizes a bootstrapping effect by reusing the stabilized output voltage of a bias current generator for supply voltage pre-regulation, reducing the number of branches needed and implementing integer multiples of the bias current for pre-regulation, thereby minimizing power consumption and chip area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pre-regulation stage or cascode configuration is used to increase the power supply rejection ratio (PSRR), then the PSRR is improved, but the chip area and power consumption increase due to additional circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reference voltage generation function and the pre-regulation function into a single integrated circuit block. The bias current generator produces a stable reference voltage that simultaneously biases the pre-regulator stage, eliminating the need for separate pre-regulation circuitry while achieving high PSRR through the inherent stability of the reference voltage generator
Solution Approach 2:
The reference voltage generator serves multiple functions: it provides a stable reference voltage for biasing, generates the pre-regulation voltage for the supply, and maintains high PSRR. By making the reference voltage generator multi-functional, the patent eliminates dedicated pre-regulation circuitry, thereby reducing chip area while maintaining performance
2Reliability
If a pre-regulation stage or cascode configuration is used to increase the power supply rejection ratio (PSRR), then the PSRR is improved, but the power consumption increases due to additional circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reference voltage generation and pre-regulation functions into one circuit, where the bias current generator provides both the reference voltage and the pre-regulation voltage. This integration eliminates redundant circuitry that would consume additional power, achieving high PSRR with minimal power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The reference voltage generator is self-biasing, using its own output voltage to bias the pre-regulator stage. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external biasing circuitry, reducing both power consumption and chip area while maintaining high PSRR
3Reliability
If additional circuitry is used for pre-regulation, then the power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (reference voltage generation, biasing, and pre-regulation) into a single integrated circuit block. This merging reduces the number of separate components and interconnections, simplifying the overall device structure while achieving high PSRR through the inherent stability of the integrated reference voltage generator
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 solution achieves a high PSRR with significantly reduced power consumption and chip area, while maintaining stability over varying conditions, and allows for multiple stable operating points with minimal temperature dependency and output voltage variation.
Implementation Method 1
The reference voltage is coupled to the supply pre-regulator stage for biasing the supply pre-regulator stage by the reference voltage. Accordingly, a voltage reference generator is provided, which makes use of a bootstrapping effect by using the stabilized output voltage of the bias current generator as a reference voltage for the pre-regulator stage.
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated electronic device comprises circuitry for generating a reference voltage. The circuitry comprises a bias current generator for generating a first bias current, a diode element coupled to the bias current generator and fed by a second bias current derived from the first bias current for converting the second bias current into a reference voltage across the diode element, a supply voltage pre-regulator stage for regulating the supply voltage used for the bias current generator, and an output buffer coupled to the reference voltage for providing a low impedance output, wherein the reference voltage is coupled to the supply pre-regulator stage for biasing the supply pre-regulator stage by the reference voltage.