Current Mirror Feedback Circuit for Faster Current Multiplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for generating a first current from a second current with a controlled value, where the first current is a multiple of the second current, are limited by slow response times and sensitivity to variations in reference potential, particularly when the second current is smaller than the first current.
Innovation Solution
The device comprises an output transistor, a first circuit to generate a third current representative of the second current, a second circuit to generate a fourth current representative of the first current flowing through the output transistor, and a third circuit to generate a sixth current from the difference between the third and fourth currents, which is drawn from the control terminal of the output transistor, allowing for faster variation of the first current and reduced sensitivity to reference potential variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional current generation device is used to generate a first current from a second current with a controlled value, then the current multiplication function is achieved, but the response time is slow when the second current is smaller than the first current
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into three functional circuits: a first circuit generating a third current representative of the second current, a second circuit generating a fourth current representative of the first current, and a third circuit generating a sixth current from the difference between third and fourth currents. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall response time while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The third circuit acts as an intermediary that processes the difference between the third current (from first circuit) and fourth current (from second circuit) to generate the sixth current. This intermediary structure enables faster response by directly controlling the output based on the difference signal, bypassing the limitations of conventional direct multiplication approaches.
2Reliability
If a conventional current generation device is used to generate a first current from a second current, then the current multiplication function is achieved, but the first current is sensitive to variations in reference potential
Solution Approach 1:
The third circuit receives the fifth current representing the difference between the third and fourth currents and generates the sixth current to be drawn from the control terminal of the output transistor. This feedback mechanism continuously monitors and corrects the output current based on the difference signal, reducing sensitivity to reference potential variations and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure ensures that the first current generation process becomes less sensitive to reference potential variations by using the difference between third and fourth currents as the control signal. This approach effectively equalizes the potential reference points across different circuits, reducing the impact of reference potential drift on the final output current.
3Productivity
If the second current has a controlled value smaller than the first current, then current multiplication is achieved, but the duration between current change and corresponding output change is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The first circuit generates the third current representative of the second current in advance, and the second circuit generates the fourth current representative of the first current simultaneously. The third circuit then processes the difference between these pre-generated currents to produce the sixth current. This preliminary action allows the system to respond faster to changes in the second current, reducing the time delay while maintaining efficient current multiplication.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a device for generating a first current from a second current, comprises: an output transistor configured to generate the first current; a first circuit configured to generate a third current representative of the second current and to draw it from a first node; a second circuit configured to generate a fourth current representative of the first current and to supply it to the first node; and a third circuit receiving a fifth current representative of a difference between the third and fourth currents, the third circuit being configured to generate a sixth current representative of the fifth current and to draw it from a control terminal of the output transistor.