Current Mirror Driver Circuit for Integrating Neuron Voltage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In artificial neural networks (ANNs) formed from analog signal processing circuitry, unintended variations in system parameters, such as dendrite node voltage, can cause errors by affecting the current on dendrite lines, which is undesirable for maintaining constant current between upstream weighted synapse and downstream integrating neuron circuitry.
Innovation Solution
A driver circuit with a voltage follower configuration is used to maintain a constant voltage at a node, and a current mirror configuration is employed to ensure that the output current remains unaffected by voltage fluctuations, thereby separating the charging node into a reference current node and an integration node to keep the voltage constant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional driver circuit is used without voltage follower configuration, then the circuit structure is simpler, but the voltage at the charging node fluctuates causing current variations
Solution Approach 1:
A voltage follower circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the driver circuit output and the charging node. This voltage follower acts as a buffer that isolates the charging node voltage fluctuations from affecting the current source, thereby maintaining current stability while adding minimal circuit complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The driver circuit is segmented into two functional parts: a voltage follower stage that maintains constant voltage at the charging node, and a current mirror stage that provides the actual current output. This segmentation allows each stage to optimize its function independently, with the voltage follower handling voltage stabilization and the current mirror handling current precision
2Reliability
If the charging node voltage is allowed to fluctuate, then the circuit operation is more flexible, but the current to the integrating neuron circuit becomes dependent on voltage potential causing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage follower circuit maintains the charging node at a constant voltage potential, creating an equipotential condition that prevents voltage fluctuations from affecting the current. This ensures that the current to the integrating neuron circuit remains independent of voltage potential changes, thereby eliminating computation errors while maintaining operational flexibility through the current mirror configuration
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to a driver circuit including a first amplifier having a voltage follower configured to control a first node to maintain a voltage of the first node at a constant value. By maintaining the first node voltage, the first amplifier having the voltage follower is further configured to have a first amplifier output current into the first node at a value without the effect of the voltage fluctuation. The driver circuit further includes a second amplifier configured to control a second node, wherein the second amplifier is in a current mirror configuration with respect to the first amplifier such that a second amplifier current output is a highly precise mirror of the first amplifier current output.