Class AB Amplifier Circuit With Dynamic Current Gain Boost

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Class AB CMOS amplifiers face limitations in current amplification due to short channel effects and lower power supply, restricting maximum current amplification to around 12, which is less than the predicted 25, affecting their efficiency in charging and discharging load capacitance during transitions.

Innovation Solution

The design introduces variable current sources in the current sum branch of the Class AB amplifier circuit, allowing for increased current amplification by dynamically adjusting current during transitions, enabling amplifications of 25 or higher through the use of dynamic current sources and gain control circuitry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If constant current sources are used in the current sum branch, then the amplifier operates in low current mode during steady state, but the current amplification during transitions is limited to around 12 due to short channel effects and lower power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating currentVSAvoidcurrent amplification
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing constant current sources with dynamic current sources in the current sum branch. These dynamic current sources automatically adjust their current output based on the operating state: during steady state they maintain low current consumption, while during transitions they provide high current amplification (25 or higher). This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between low steady-state current and high transition current amplification without requiring separate circuit configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If higher power supply is used to increase current amplification, then transition performance improves, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent amplificationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the current output parameter of the current sources based on the amplifier's operating state. During steady state, the current sources operate at low current parameters to minimize power consumption. During transitions, the same current sources switch to high current parameters to achieve current amplification of 25 or higher. This parameter adaptation allows high current amplification without requiring a continuously high power supply, thus avoiding increased steady-state power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If dynamic current sources are introduced to increase current amplification, then transition efficiency improves, but circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent amplificationVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by designing dynamic current sources that automatically detect and respond to the amplifier's operating state without external control signals. The current sources self-adjust their output based on intrinsic circuit conditions, eliminating the need for additional control circuitry or complex management systems. This self-service mechanism achieves high current amplification during transitions while maintaining relatively simple circuit architecture, as the dynamic behavior emerges from the circuit's own operating characteristics rather than external control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7622990B2Amplifiers, methods of increasing current gain in amplifiers, and imaging devices
Publication Date: 2009.11.24 MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US7622990B2 patent drawing
  • US7622990B2 patent drawing
  • US7622990B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An amplifier includes a differential stage including a differential pair of transistors of a first conductivity type, the differential pair having gates, first and second inputs to the amplifier respectively including the gates of the differential pair; a current sum branch coupled to the differential stage, the current sum branch including a variable current source and being configured to sum current from the variable current source with current from the differential stage that flows to the current sum branch if a voltage at the first input exceeds a voltage at the second input; and an output stage coupled to the current sum branch. An imaging device and a method of manufacturing an amplifier are also provided.