Dual Reference Voltage Circuit for Low Power Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reference voltage generators face challenges in achieving high accuracy while minimizing power consumption, particularly in applications where current consumption is critical.

Innovation Solution

A circuit combining a bandgap voltage reference generator with a digital controlled low power voltage buffer, where the second reference voltage generating circuit stores a value representative of the first reference voltage to maintain voltage generation when the first circuit is switched off, reducing current consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a bandgap voltage reference generator is used to provide high accuracy reference voltage, then the accuracy of the reference voltage is improved, but the current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of reference voltageVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The reference voltage generation system is divided into two independent circuits: a first reference voltage generating circuit (bandgap) for high accuracy and a second reference voltage generating circuit (low-power) for low current consumption. Each circuit operates independently and can be selectively activated based on system requirements, allowing the system to achieve high accuracy when needed while minimizing power consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by switching between two different reference voltage generation modes. The first circuit operates when high accuracy is required, while the second circuit operates when low power consumption is prioritized. This parameter change allows the system to adapt between accuracy and power consumption requirements dynamically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If a single reference voltage generator is used to maintain continuous operation, then the voltage stability is maintained, but the power consumption cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The second reference voltage generating circuit is pre-configured with circuit elements (such as resistors and transistors in specific configurations) that enable it to generate a stable reference voltage without requiring continuous operation of the high-power first circuit. The preliminary design of the second circuit allows it to take over reference voltage generation duties, reducing power consumption while maintaining voltage stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10126773B2Circuit and method for providing a secondary reference voltage from an initial reference voltage
Publication Date: 2018.11.13 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • US10126773B2 patent drawing
  • US10126773B2 patent drawing
  • US10126773B2 patent drawing

AI summary

According one embodiment, a circuit is described comprising a first reference voltage generating circuit comprising an output to provide a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage generating circuit comprising an input receiving a value representative of the first reference voltage, the second reference voltage generating circuit being configured to generate a second reference voltage based on the received value.