Integrated Circuit Reference Current Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional integrated circuits require a large layout area and an additional pin for generating a stable reference current, which is susceptible to external noise and variations in temperature and voltage, making them inefficient and prone to accuracy issues.

Innovation Solution

An integrated circuit with a voltage generator producing a reference voltage proportional to absolute temperature and a current generator with a negative temperature coefficient, which reduces layout area and eliminates the need for an external resistor, using trimming data for calibration to maintain stability across temperature, voltage, and process variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bandgap reference circuit is used to generate a stable reference current, then the reference current stability is improved, but the layout area of the integrated circuit increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference current stabilityVSAvoidlayout area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the bandgap reference circuit from the integrated circuit and replaces it with a temperature-compensated reference voltage source combined with a precision resistor. This removes the complex bandgap circuitry while maintaining reference current stability through the temperature compensation mechanism, thereby reducing the layout area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from using a bandgap reference voltage to using a temperature-compensated reference voltage source. By introducing temperature compensation parameters and using a precision resistor with specific temperature characteristics, the system maintains stable reference current without requiring the large bandgap circuit area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If an external resistor is connected through a pin to generate reference current, then the reference current accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional pins and external components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference current accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the reference voltage source and the precision resistor into a single integrated temperature-compensated reference current generator module. This integration eliminates the need for separate external resistors and additional pins, reducing device complexity while maintaining reference current accuracy through the unified temperature compensation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated circuit incorporates an internal temperature-compensated reference voltage source that automatically compensates for temperature variations without requiring external calibration or additional components. The circuit serves itself by generating the necessary reference voltage and current internally, eliminating the need for external resistors and reducing pin requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a pin for connecting external resistor is provided, then the reference current stability is improved, but the circuit becomes susceptible to external noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference current stabilityVSAvoidexternal noise susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the external resistor connection from the system by providing an internal precision resistor within the integrated circuit. This removes the external pin connection that is susceptible to noise, while maintaining reference current stability through the internal temperature-compensated reference voltage source and precision resistor combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a stable reference current that is independent of temperature and voltage variations, reduces the integrated circuit's layout area, and minimizes the impact of external noise, contributing to the miniaturization and improved stability of electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

The voltage generator generates a reference voltage proportional to an absolute temperature based on a predetermined value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature-proportional voltage generation:

Implementation Method 2

The current generator with the negative temperature coefficient receives the reference voltage and generates a reference current based on the reference voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative temperature coefficient compensation:

Data Source

PatentUS9710007B2Integrated circuit capable of providing a stable reference current and an electronic device with the same

Publication Date: 2017.07.18 ALI CORP

AI summary

An electronic device and an integrated circuit thereof are provided. The integrated circuit includes a voltage generator and a current generator with a negative temperature coefficient. The voltage generator generates a reference voltage proportional to an absolute temperature based on a predetermined value. The current generator with the negative temperature coefficient receives the reference voltage and generates a reference current based on the reference voltage.