Current Generator Circuit With Randomized Element Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current current generator circuits face challenges in generating an output current with a precise ratio to a reference current due to mismatch errors in the geometrical size of electrical components, such as transistors, used in output current paths.
Innovation Solution
The proposed electric circuit arrangement employs a current generator circuit with controllable switching circuits, a random code generator, and a counter to dynamically re-group electrical components, using pseudo-random code generation and counting to control the switching circuits, thereby reducing mismatch errors and achieving a precise output current ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If electrical components are manufactured with defined exact geometrical size to achieve precise current ratio, then manufacturing precision is improved, but mismatch error due to geometric variations cannot be completely eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic element matching by dynamically switching between different electrical components in output current paths based on pseudo-random codes. Instead of relying on static manufacturing precision, the system dynamically selects and reconfigures components during operation to average out mismatch errors, thereby achieving precise current ratios despite geometric variations in individual components.
2Measurement precision
If dynamic element matching is implemented using pseudo-random codes and switching circuits, then current ratio precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that manages the switching between electrical components based on pseudo-random codes. This controller acts as a mediator between the random code generator and the switching circuits, coordinating the dynamic element matching process and simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing the control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses internally generated pseudo-random codes to automatically control the switching of electrical components without requiring external intervention. The random code generator and counter work together to self-manage the dynamic element matching process, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If traditional current mirror circuits are used with fixed component connections, then device complexity is reduced, but current ratio precision deteriorates due to component mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static current mirror circuit into a dynamic system by introducing switching circuits that can reconfigure connections between electrical components based on pseudo-random codes. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to maintain circuit simplicity while achieving precise current ratios through time-averaged matching of components.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment an electric circuit arrangement includes a current generator circuit having a first output terminal and configured to generate an output current, a controller configured to generate control signals to control the current generator circuit, a random code generator configured to generate random codes and a counter configured to generate a count, wherein the current generator circuit comprises a plurality of output current paths and a plurality of controllable switching circuits, wherein each of the output current paths includes a respective electrical component to define a current in the respective output current path, wherein a respective one of the controllable switching circuits is coupled to a respective one of the output current paths to connect the respective electrical component to the first output terminal, and wherein the random code generator is configured to provide a respective code derived from a respective one of the random codes.