Current Mirror Voltage Reference With Second-Order Temperature Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High precision electronic circuits require more than first-order temperature compensation for stable DC reference voltages, as first-order methods are insufficient in maintaining voltage stability across varying operational temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A method and circuit that adjust the mirror ratio of a current mirror to compensate for temperature effects by extracting a compensation current from either the reference or mirror current path, using a compensation controller to adjust the current mirror ratio based on temperature signals, thereby producing a stable reference voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If first-order temperature compensation is used by combining signals with different temperature responses, then the circuit operation becomes stable to some extent, but the reference voltage stability is insufficient for high precision circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compensation parameter from first-order to second-order by introducing a temperature-dependent current extraction mechanism. The compensation current is proportional to the square of the temperature signal, creating a second-order temperature compensation effect that significantly improves reference voltage stability across temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple compensation mechanisms into a composite temperature compensation system. It integrates first-order compensation (through the basic current mirror structure) with second-order compensation (through the temperature-dependent current extraction), creating a multi-layered compensation approach that achieves superior voltage stability.
2Measurement precision
If the mirror ratio of the current mirror is adjusted to compensate for temperature effects, then temperature compensation accuracy is improved, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the temperature signal is continuously monitored and used to adjust the compensation current. The temperature-dependent current extraction is fed back into the reference voltage generation circuit, creating a closed-loop system that automatically compensates for temperature drift without requiring complex external control.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit uses its own temperature signal to generate the compensation current, making the system self-regulating. The temperature-dependent current extraction mechanism automatically adjusts based on the circuit's own thermal state, eliminating the need for external temperature sensors or complex control circuits.
3Reliability
If a temperature-dependent compensation current is extracted from the current mirror path, then second-order temperature compensation is achieved, but the current mirror ratio control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compensation function into distinct components: the temperature signal processing path, the compensation current generation path, and the main reference voltage generation path. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Voltage reference with temperature compensation. At least one example embodiment is a method of producing a compensate voltage reference, the method comprising: driving a reference current through a reference current path of a current mirror, and driving a mirror current through a mirror current path of the current mirror; driving the reference current through a first reference transistor having a control input, and driving the mirror current though a second reference transistor having a control input; equalizing the reference current flow through the first reference transistor to the mirror current flow through the second reference transistor by adjusting a control voltage on the control inputs of the first and second reference transistors; producing a reference voltage proportional to the control voltage; and compensating the reference voltage for temperature effects by adjusting a mirror ratio of the current mirror.