Current Mirror Gain Compensation Across Process Corners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mirror circuits in wireless communication front end circuitry experience gain variation due to process variations, which can lead to unpredictable output signals and deviations from design specifications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a current mirror circuit that includes multiple transistors with different threshold voltages, allowing operation in either the saturation or triode region, to selectively adjust the gain and reduce variation across different process corners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional current mirror circuit is used, then the circuit structure is simple, but the gain varies significantly due to process variations
Solution Approach 1:
The current mirror circuit is segmented into multiple transistors (first transistor, second transistor, third transistor) with different threshold voltages. Each transistor operates in a different region (saturation or triode) to independently contribute to the overall gain, allowing the circuit to compensate for process variations through the combined effect of segmented components rather than relying on a single transistor's characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
Different transistors are assigned different local qualities in terms of threshold voltage characteristics. The first transistor has a first threshold voltage, the second transistor has a second threshold voltage less than the first, and the third transistor has the first threshold voltage again. This local differentiation in threshold voltages allows each transistor to contribute differently to the gain, compensating for process variations across different process corners.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple transistors with different threshold voltages are used, then gain variation is reduced, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit utilizes parameter changes by employing transistors with different threshold voltage parameters. The first transistor and third transistor share the first threshold voltage parameter, while the second transistor uses a second threshold voltage parameter that is less than the first. This deliberate parameter differentiation enables the circuit to maintain consistent gain across process variations by balancing the effects of different threshold voltages in the gain calculation.
3Power
If transistors operate in saturation region, then high gain is achieved, but process variations cause unpredictable output
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit implements dynamics by allowing transistors to operate in different regions (saturation or triode) depending on their threshold voltage characteristics. The first transistor operates in saturation region to provide high gain, while the second transistor with lower threshold voltage operates in triode region to compensate for process variations. This dynamic regional operation enables the circuit to maintain both high gain and output predictability across different process corners.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods described herein correspond to current mirror circuitry that involves one or more transistors operated in a saturation region and one or more transistors operated in a triode region. By using a combination of transistors operated in the triode region and transistors operated in the saturation region operations, gain of the current mirror circuitry may be adjusted while maintaining permissible amounts of main current generation.